Japan has two main sacred traditions you’ll encounter throughout the trip: Shinto (shrines - jinja) and Buddhism (temples - tera or ji). The rituals are different and the distinction matters - don’t clap at a Buddhist temple, and don’t skip the water basin at a Shinto shrine.
Shinto Shrines
On this trip: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Meiji Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, Nezu Shrine
Torii Gates
The red torii gate marks the threshold between the ordinary world and sacred ground. When passing through:
- Bow once before entering - a brief nod of the head is enough
- Walk to the side of the central path (sando) - the center lane is traditionally reserved for the deity
- Bow again on your way out
At Fushimi Inari you’ll pass through hundreds of gates. A single bow at the first gate is sufficient; you don’t need to bow at each one.
Temizuya - Water Purification
The stone basin near the entrance (手水舎) is for ritual hand purification before approaching the main hall. The sequence:
- Right hand: pick up the ladle with your right hand, pour water over your left hand
- Left hand: transfer the ladle to your left hand, pour water over your right hand
- Mouth: cup your left hand, pour a small amount of water into it, rinse your mouth - do not drink directly from the ladle
- Handle: tilt the ladle upright so the remaining water runs down the handle to rinse it, then replace it
Note: Many temizuya were closed or kept dry after COVID-19 and may still be restricted. If there’s no water flowing, skip this step.
Main Hall Prayer - 二礼二拍手一礼
At the main hall (本殿), the standard Shinto ritual:
- Two deep bows (二礼) - 90 degrees, held briefly
- Two claps (二拍手) - hands at chest height, right hand slightly lower than left, then pull right hand down and clap twice
- A moment of prayer - hands pressed together
- One final bow (一礼) - 90 degrees
This takes about 30 seconds. Nobody will be watching to grade you - doing it sincerely matters more than perfect form.
Shrine Purchases
- Omamori (お守り) - small cloth amulets for protection, health, travel, study; ¥500–1,000. Each temple/shrine has its own designs. Jeannette and Ana: these make excellent small gifts.
- Omikuji (おみくじ) - paper fortune slips, ¥100–200. If you get a bad fortune (凶 kyō), tie it to the rack at the shrine and leave the bad luck behind. If good, keep it.
- Ema (絵馬) - wooden plaques where you write a wish; hang on the designated rack at the shrine.
Buddhist Temples
On this trip: Senso-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, Kenninji, Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, Ryoan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Kodaiji, Shitennoji
Key Difference from Shinto
Do not clap at Buddhist temples. The clapping ritual is Shinto. At Buddhist temples, press your palms together (合掌 - gasshō) and bow.
Incense - Senko
Most Buddhist temples have a large incense burner (香炉 - koro) near the main hall. Using it is part of the experience:
- Purchase a bundle of incense sticks if offered (¥100–200), or use ones provided
- Light from the burning coals in the burner - using your own lighter is fine if coals are out
- Wave out the flame - never blow it out. Blowing breath onto a flame is considered impure in Japanese Buddhist tradition.
- Place sticks upright in the ash
- Waft smoke toward you with your hands - believed to purify and heal. People fan smoke toward their head, hands, or a part of the body that needs healing.
Senso-ji has an enormous brazier at the entrance - the smoke wafting and the crowd around it is part of what makes it feel alive.
Main Hall Entry
If you’re allowed inside the main hall (not always open to the public):
- Remove shoes at the step - look for the raised floor and a row of shoes
- Bow before entering
- Keep voice low
- Photography: almost always restricted inside main halls - look for 撮影禁止 signs before raising your camera
Zen Temples (Ryoan-ji, Nanzen-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Kenninji)
Zen spaces are designed for silence and contemplation. The rock gardens and moss gardens are meant to be experienced slowly. Standing quietly is not awkward - it’s appropriate.
Both - General Rules
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Bow at gates and main halls | Touch sacred objects or statues |
| Keep to the side of the main path | Walk on grass or restricted areas |
| Speak quietly | Take photos inside main halls without checking |
| Remove shoes when stepping up into a building | Eat or drink in the main hall area |
| Waft incense toward yourself | Blow out incense flames |
| Ask before photographing someone actively performing a ritual | Point at sacred objects |
Photography
- Grounds: almost always fine at both shrines and temples
- Main hall interiors: usually restricted - check for 撮影禁止 (no photography) signs
- People: ask before photographing someone mid-ritual - “Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?”
- Goshuin calligraphy in progress: always ask the priest/monk before photographing them writing
- Jeff: at Fushimi Inari, set C4 Shadowchrome before the first gate; at Buddhist interiors, camera down and just look
Sites on the Itinerary - Quick Reference
| Site | Type | Key Ritual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fushimi Inari Taisha | Shinto | Bow at first gate; clap at main hall | Torii tunnel - walk left side |
| Meiji Shrine | Shinto | Full temizuya + 二礼二拍手一礼 | Quiet forest approach sets the tone |
| Yasaka Shrine | Shinto | Bow at gate; clap at main hall | Busy street-side entry; still worth the ritual |
| Nezu Shrine | Shinto | Bow at torii tunnel; clap at top | Short tunnel - easy to stop and be present |
| Senso-ji Temple | Buddhist | Incense burner at entrance | Huge brazier; waft smoke toward you |
| Kiyomizu-dera | Buddhist | Incense; shoes off in inner halls | Outer stage is fine to photograph |
| Sanjusangendo | Buddhist | Gasshō bow on entry | Camera down inside - the statues are the experience |
| Kenninji Temple | Zen Buddhist | Gasshō bow | Dragon ceiling is inside - no photos |
| Ginkaku-ji | Zen Buddhist | Gasshō bow | Garden is the main space; quiet walk |
| Nanzen-ji | Zen Buddhist | Gasshō bow | Aqueduct is outside and fine to photograph |
| Ryoan-ji | Zen Buddhist | Gasshō bow; sit quietly | The garden rewards stillness |
| Kinkakuji | Buddhist | Gasshō bow | Crowded but the ritual still grounds you |
| Shitennoji Temple | Buddhist | Incense; inner garden separately ticketed | Japan’s oldest officially-administered temple |
| Kodaiji Temple | Zen Buddhist | Gasshō bow | Bamboo grove and pond; calm pace |
Links
- Goshuin Guide - temple stamp books
- Japan Etiquette Quick Reference - general Japan customs
- Useful Phrases