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How to Pray at a Shrine|From the Torii Gate to Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow

Praying at a Shinto shrine is famous for “two bows, two claps, one bow”, but the etiquette actually begins as soon as you reach the entrance gate. Here is the whole flow, from arriving to leaving.

Bow once before the torii gate

The torii gate marks the border between our everyday world and the sacred space of the deity (kami). Stop in front of the torii, bow lightly, then enter the grounds. Taking off your hat is a respectful touch.

Walk at the side of the approach

The path from the torii to the main hall is called the sando. Its center (seichu) is thought of as the path of the deity, so visitors walk slightly to one side.

If there is a purification fountain (temizuya) along the way, purify your hands and mouth there. See “Temizu Purification” for how to do it.

Offering and bell

At the hall, bow lightly and place your offering (saisen) in the offering box. Please put it in gently rather than throwing it. Any amount is fine — many Japanese people offer a 5-yen coin, because “five yen” (go-en) sounds like the word for a good connection.

If there is a bell, ring it. The sound is said to purify the space and let the deity know you have come. The order of offering and bell can differ from shrine to shrine.

How to do two bows, two claps, one bow

This is the basic way to pray at a shrine. In Japanese it is called nirei-nihakushu-ichirei.

1. Two bows: stand up straight and bow deeply, about 90 degrees, two times.

2. Two claps: bring your hands together at chest height, slide your right hand slightly down, and clap twice.

3. Pray: line your fingertips up again and pray quietly with your hands together.

4. One bow: lower your hands and finish with one more deep bow.

Sliding the right hand down is said to show humility before the deity. Many people first say their name and address silently, then give thanks, before making a wish.

Some shrines do it differently

Most shrines use two bows, two claps, one bow, but some — such as Izumo Taisha (Shimane), Usa Jingu (Oita) and Yahiko Shrine (Niigata) — use four claps. If a shrine shows its own instructions, follow them.

Bow again when you leave

When you are done, walk back along the side of the approach. After passing through the torii, turn toward the hall and bow once more.

Many people draw an omikuji fortune after praying. See “What Is Omikuji?” to learn what the slips mean.

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