Japan has over 80,000 Shinto shrines and 77,000 Buddhist temples — between them, they form the most dense concentration of functioning religious sites in any country. Most are open to visitors regardless of faith, and most welcome respectful tourism. Understanding the basic protocols — what to do at the purification fountain, how to approach the main hall, the difference between shrines and temples — transforms a visit from sightseeing into something more genuinely connected to the place’s purpose.
Shinto Shrines (神社, Jinja)
Shrine vs. Temple: How to Tell
The simplest marker: Shinto shrines have torii gates (the distinctive archway, typically orange/vermillion); Buddhist temples have sanmon gates (large wooden gates with guardians, roofed, often with incense burners). Many sites are mixed — Buddhist temples absorbed Shinto shrines and vice versa during Japan’s religious syncretism; some sites have both. When in doubt, torii = shrine protocol; incense burner = temple protocol.
At the Torii Gate
The torii marks the transition from secular to sacred space. The conventional approach: bow once before passing through; walk to the side of the central path (the center is reserved for the deity). Bow once again before leaving. At smaller neighborhood shrines, many regular visitors don’t bow — this protocol is more observed at major shrines. Follow the lead of Japanese visitors when uncertain.
Temizuya (手水舎): Purification Fountain
The stone water basin with running water near the shrine entrance is used for ritual hand purification before approaching the main hall. The protocol: take the ladle with your right hand, pour water over your left; transfer to your left hand, pour over your right; take again with your right, pour a small amount into your cupped left palm, rinse your mouth (optional and less commonly done today), then pour the remaining water over the ladle handle to clean it. Do not put the ladle in the basin; do not drink directly from the ladle. During COVID, many temizuya were covered with flowers or bamboo features instead of water — some remain decorative rather than functional.
At the Main Hall (Honden/Haiden)
At the offering box (saisen-bako) in front of the main hall:
- Toss a coin gently into the box (¥5 coins are considered auspicious — the word go-en means both “5 yen” and “good fortune/connection”).
- Ring the bell if one is present (pull the thick rope once or twice; the bell calls the deity’s attention).
- Bow twice deeply (approximately 90°).
- Clap twice (hands at chest height).
- Bow once more.
- This is the standard nirei nihakushu ichirei (two bows, two claps, one bow) protocol observed at most shrines.
Buddhist Temples (寺, Tera/Ji)
Incense (線香, Senko)
Many temple main halls have large incense burners in front. Burning incense is considered a purification offering; the smoke is said to carry prayers to the Buddha and to have medicinal properties. Light a stick from the communal flame, extinguish the flame with a wave of the hand (never blow — blowing is disrespectful), place in the sand, and waft the smoke toward yourself with both hands. This is not required but welcomed.
At the Main Hall
Drop a coin in the offering box, then press hands together (gassho) and bow once. Unlike Shinto, there is no clapping at Buddhist temples — clapping is specifically a Shinto communication with the deity. Some temples have a bell rope inside or a wooden gong; observe what Japanese visitors do before acting.
Shoes
Remove shoes before entering temple buildings (not shrine buildings). A step-up at the entrance and a rack or shelves for shoes indicates shoe removal is required. In large busy temples, plastic bags for carrying your shoes are sometimes provided.
Photography Rules
- Outdoors (gardens, precincts, approach paths): generally free to photograph unless signs indicate otherwise.
- Main hall interiors: often prohibited (look for 撮影禁止 signs — “photography prohibited”). When in doubt, ask or don’t photograph.
- Special treasures, mummies, or sacred objects: almost always prohibited.
- During ceremonies or prayer: do not photograph; wait until the ceremony ends.
- Other visitors at prayer: never photograph people without consent.
General Conduct
- Speak quietly; avoid loud conversations in inner sanctuaries.
- Don’t sit on steps, altars, or sacred objects.
- Don’t touch statues, offerings, or sacred items unless explicitly invited.
- Eating and drinking in the main precinct is generally inappropriate at serious religious sites (temple cafes and shrine stalls are exceptions).
- Dress modestly at major religious sites — no requirement to cover heads, but avoid revealing clothing at particularly traditional sites.