Everyone has their own style when traveling/sightseeing. I sure have one, and I’m sure my style would not work for many people. That is why I will not judge or criticize, nor will I push someone to go about things a certain way. However, when it comes to religious sites, of which Japan has hundreds, I personally believe it is important to abide by the customs.
Even if you aren’t religious, following the etiquette surrounding shrines and temples is as much about showing respect as it is demonstrating reverence. This is true even for Japanese visitors.
As a quick reminder, “shrine” is the term used for Shinto buildings, “temple” is used to refer to Buddhist ones. The proper etiquette differs slightly from one religion to the other, but when visiting either site, keep your voice down to a quiet, conversational tone. Also, be mindful of your attire. Try to avoid wearing shorts or outfits with not a lot of skin coverage. This is especially important at temples.
When Visiting a Shrine
- Purification: No matter how cold it is, you must purify yourselves, at least partially before entering a shrine. There will be a
fountain with ladles, called a temizuya or chozuya. Please mind the order as it is important:
- When it is your turn, take the ladle in your right hand. Hold the ladle under the running water, do not dip it into the basin, until it is about half full.
- Pour some of the water from the ladle over your left hand.
- Switch hands so you’re holding the ladle in your left hand and pour some water over your right hand.
- Switch hands again and fill your left hand with water.
- Lift your left hand to your mouth and drink but do not swallow.
- Swish the water then spit it out on the rocks below the fountain. Do not spit into the basin.
- Pour some more water over your left hand to cleanse it.
- Then, still holding the ladle in your right hand, lift it up so the water runs down the handle.
- Replace the ladle so it is the way you found it.
- At any point if you run out of water, it is acceptable to fill it again with the running water.
- Prayer: More than for religious purposes, it is just considered “polite” to pray upon first arriving.
- There should be an offering box in the hall. Start by throwing in some money. Any coin, even a 1 yen coin, will do, but the coin considered the most lucky religiously speaking is the 5 yen coin.
- If there is a bell, shake the rope to ring the bell. Bow twice to show your respect, clap your hands twice, and then make a prayer (if you wish). Then bow once more to conclude the prayer. The bell ringing and clapping is in order to arouse the gods.
- Photography: Taking photos is usually permitted (please watch for signs), but please do not take photos of the innermost buildings as they not only house the shrine’s treasures, but also are believed to house the resident gods themselves.
When Visiting a Temple
- Purification:Like with shrines, purification is required upon entering a temple. Some, not all, temples have a fountain for
purification. The procedure is the same as at shrines. If there is no fountain, there usually is a large incense burner. The smoke from the incense is believed to have cleansing as well as healing properties.
- To burn incense, first make a small donation. Then take up an incense stick, light it, and let it burn for a few seconds.
- Extinguish the flame by waving your hand over it, do not blow it out.
- Stick the incense upright (smoking end up) in the ash of the burner.
- Afterwards, gently fan the smoke over your head and shoulders. If you do not wish to pay for incense, you can just fan the smoke over yourself from the already burning incense.
- When Entering: At most temples, you are permitted to enter many of the buildings in the complex. If/When you do, you must take off your shoes. For this reason, make sure you are wearing either socks or tights as barefoot is not allowed in some establishments.
- Prayer: Like at a shrine, there should be an offering box in the hall. After making your offering, do not clap. Just a quiet, meditative prayer and a bow is more than sufficient. Clapping is in order to wake the gods, but at a temple you are praying to the Buddha instead. Sometimes you will be offered burned incense or “sacred ash” by the monks, which you should take a small pinch of and rub on your hands before prayer.
- Photography: While photography is usually permitted on temple grounds, it’s forbidden inside the buildings. Some areas of the grounds may also be prohibited, so please check signs for guidance. Please do not photograph modern or new graves of a family or an individual. It is considered bad taste and in some cases offensive.
Panda no Tabi パンダの旅 - A Panda's Journeys in Japan 