How to pray at Japanese Shrine!!

There are many foreigners that visit Japan. In 2016, the number of tourists reached a record high. Many foreigners visit Japanese shrines. However, many of them don’t know how to pray at a shrine. Since you are here in Japan, you should take the opportunity to pray at one. Sometimes, there are the sign which tell you how to pray, but it is only written in Japanese, so you may not be able to read it. Therefore, I will like to introduce how to pray at a Japanese shrine.

1. pass through the Torii(the entrance)

All the shrines have the entrance called Torii. Torii come in all different sizes and colors, but they have same meaning; the Torii serves as the gateway between earth and the world of the gods. It's quite mysterious. Many Japanese walk through the center of the entrance, however, the center is the path for gods- you must walk along the sides of the path. 

If you're walking on the right side, step through the Torii with your right foot, and vice versa. But don’t worry!! You won't get cursed if you forget it.  

2. Cleanse yourself.

After the entrance, you can always find the place like this photo. Maybe you already knew you need to cleanse your hands and mouth. This action has the order, so I will explain:

Step 1  

Hold the spoon and draw water, then wash your left hand.

(Just pour water on your left hand)

Step 2

Switch your hand and pour water on your right hand.

Step 3

Hold the spoon in your right hand and pour water into your left hand.

Take said water and wash your mouth with it. *Don’t worry, if you don’t want to do it, just skip this process.

Step 4  

Finally, cleanse your hand once more and you're done!

3. In front of the main shrine

This is the main event and a difficult part for tourists who visit.

Let me show you how to pray!!

Step1

Toss in a coin. The coin you toss could have the following meanings:

5 yen=fate/tie/bond

20 yen= twice the fate/tie/bond 

25 yen =same as above

1000 yen or more= they may have strong hopes or need god’s help.

Step2    Bow twice

It displays respect towards the god.

Step3   Clap twice

This clap expresses the happiness of meeting the god.

Step4   bow once

This means to thank the god after you pray. 

Of course, praying is different at some shrines because there are about 80,000 shrines all over Japan and schools of shrines are different. 

After finishing your prayer, there are other events like omikuji . The fortune keychain would be really good souvenir for your friends and family.

         Now you are ready to visit Japanese shrines. Please enjoy your trip!!