Japanese Shrine Visit Steps

Visiting Japan and visiting shrines is definitely an important itinerary to experience Japanese culture. Whether you want to pray for peace and health, or you want to experience the unique ritual of "two rites, two hands and one ceremony", learning the correct way to visit the Japanese shrine will definitely make your journey more integrated into the local atmosphere. Especially for us Taiwanese, shrine visits seem simple, but in fact there are quite a lot of etiquette details and taboos that must be paid attention to, such as entering the bird house, washing hands and visiting order. This article will take you to understand the "Japanese Shrine Etiquette + Common Taboos", so that you can complete the Japanese Shrine experience without pressure!

Japanese Shrine Visit Before Must Know: Complete Visit Sequence and Process

step 1: Preparation
before entering the shrine

before entering the territory of the shrine, it is recommended to understand the "historical background" and "main sacrificial gods" of the shrine 」. This will not only increase the significance of the visit, but also avoid inadvertent acts of disrespect.

Clothing recommendations:

• avoid overly exposed clothing

• slippers or sandals are not recommended

• choose clean and tidy clothing

• women avoid wearing short skirts or shorts

second step: through the bird in the right way

the Torii House is a symbolic entrance to the shrine, representing the line of entry from the earthly world into the sacred realm.

The correct steps:

1. stop in front of the bird and bow gently (about 15 degrees)

2. never go right in the middle! The central passage (in the middle) is a dedicated channel for the gods.

3. select left or right through the bird house

4. keep quiet when you pass, don't make a lot of noise

little knowledge: the color and material of the bird house have their meanings. The vermilion bird house is the most common, symbolizing evil spirits and holiness.

The third step: hand water shed cleansing ceremony detailed steps

the place where the body cleansing ceremony is performed is an extremely important part of the Japanese shrine visit.

Complete hand water flow:

1. hold the ladle in your right hand and scoop up water to clean your left hand.

2. hold the ladle in your left hand and scoop up water to clean your right hand.

3. hold the scoop in your right hand and gargle with water in your left hand (note: do not touch the scoop directly with your mouth)

4. when spitting water, spit it in the drain of the hand water shed and do not swallow it.

5. finally, scoop the water again and let it run down the handle to clean the ladle.

6. return the ladle to its place and bow slightly.

important reminder: the whole process can only "scoop water once" to complete all steps, showing the treasure of water resources.

The fourth step: worship the main hall of the standard action

come to the main hall of the shrine (the main hall), which is the core of the whole worship process.

Preparations before the visit:

• take off your hat and sunglasses

• turn phone off or mute

• organize your clothes and stay dignified.

coin Blessing:

• gently drop coins into the race cash box

• the five-day round coin is the most popular, because the Japanese pronunciation "five yen" and "royal" (fate) the same

• don't throw hard when throwing coins, put them in gently.

ring the bell and pray for attention: if there is a bell, shake it gently 2-3 times to inform the gods that someone is coming to worship.

The fifth step: two ceremony two clap one ceremony standard action

this is the most classic ritual action of a Japanese shrine visit:

detailed steps:

1. second Ceremony (Part): Bow deeply twice, about 90 degrees each time, and stay for 2-3 seconds.

2. clap your hands twice (duet): Put your hands together in front of your chest, slightly stagger your right hand, clap your hands twice, and your voice is clear and loud.

3. wish Time: Put your hands together and say a wish or thank you in your heart.

4. A gift (to be proud of you): Bow deeply again at the end.

the content of the prayer is suggested:

• thank you for the peace of the past year

• pray for family health and safety

• thank you for the opportunity to visit

• avoid too materialistic prayer

Japanese shrine taboo: these things should never be done!

there are some things you should never do while worshiping God! "Japanese shrine taboo" please remember:

• do not step into the area reserved for clergy, and do not enter when there is a boundary.

• do not visit after meals or when drunk, and remain sober and respect the gods.

• do not touch the offerings or offerings at will, and keep a distance to avoid disrespect.

• do not bring pets into the main shrine area (some shrines have regulations).

visit finished how to leave?

at the end of the visit, remember to "bow" to the main shrine when you turn back. You can also bow gently to express your gratitude when you cross the Ovid Shrine.

Visit the Japanese Shrine Bird House to feel the sacred realm, and remember to enter the country as the customs do!