How to Visit a Shinto Shrine

When staying in Japan, chances are you'll come across a Shinto shrine at some point. There are around 80,000 registered shrines under the Jinja Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrines), and some estimates suggest the total number — including unregistered ones — may exceed 300,000.

With so many shrines scattered across the country, you might wonder:
“What are the proper manners when visiting one?”

Let's walk through the basic etiquette step by step.

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1. Passing Through the Torii Gate

At the entrance, you'll see a torii — the iconic gate marking the transition from the everyday world to sacred space.
Before stepping through, bow once in front of the torii to show respect.

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2. Walking Along the Sando (Pathway)

After the torii, there's usually a sando (参道) — the pathway leading to the shrine building.
Traditionally, the center of the sando is reserved for the kami (deities), so it's considered polite to walk along the sides instead.

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3. Purifying at the Temizu-ya (Water Pavilion)

Most shrines have a temizu-ya or chozu-ya (手水舎), a small pavilion with water for purification. If there's no water available — which can happen due to financial reasons or COVID-related measures — you can simply skip this step.

How to purify yourself properly:

1. Fill the ladle with water.

2. Pour water over your left hand and wash it.

3. Pour water over your right hand and wash it.

4. Pour a small amount into your left hand and rinse your mouth (don't sip directly from the ladle).

5. Rinse your left hand again.

6. With the remaining water, rinse the ladle's handle before placing it back.

This ritual is meant to cleanse your hands and mouth before approaching the shrine.

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4. Offering Prayers at the Main Shrine

Once purified, head toward the main shrine building.

• Ring the bell (if there is one).

• Quietly place your offering into the saisenbako (賽銭箱, donation box).

• Bow twice deeply.

• Clap twice with your right hand slightly below your left, then put your hands together and pray.

  • At this point, many people silently introduce themselves — saying their name and where they live, either in their heart or quietly in a whisper.

• Bow once more at the end.

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5. Exiting the Shrine

When leaving, remember to:

• Avoid walking down the center of the sando.

• Once you pass back under the torii, turn around and bow toward it before stepping outside.

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Final Notes

Shrine etiquette can vary slightly depending on the shrine or region, and not all Japanese people know — or follow — these customs strictly. If you make a small mistake, don't worry; showing respect is what matters most.

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