How to pray at a Japanese shrine (and temple)

At a Shinto shrine (jinja), step by step

The sequence below is the most widely taught one. If a shrine posts its own instructions, follow those instead.

1. 1Bow once lightly before passing through the torii gate. Walking slightly to the side of the centre of the path is customary.
2. 2At the temizuya (water basin), rinse your left hand, then your right, then pour a little water into your left hand to rinse your mouth, and finally let the water run down the handle. Do not drink directly from the ladle.
3. 3At the offering box (saisenbako), place a coin in gently rather than throwing it.
4. 4If there is a bell rope, ring it once.
5. 5Bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, pause to pray silently, then bow deeply once more. This is known as ni-rei ni-hakushu ichi-rei (two bows, two claps, one bow).
6. 6Bow once more when you leave through the torii gate.

At a Buddhist temple (tera), what changes

The biggest difference is that you do not clap at a temple. Put your palms together quietly instead.

Many temples have an incense burner (jokoro). Lighting a stick of incense and letting the smoke drift over yourself is common, though it is entirely optional.

Otherwise the flow is similar: purify your hands if there is a basin, make an offering, put your palms together, bow, and move on.

A few things worth knowing

There is no fixed amount for an offering. Small coins are completely normal.

Photography is often allowed in the grounds but not inside halls; look for signs. Avoid photographing people at prayer.

There is no dress code at most places, though covering shoulders and avoiding very casual beachwear is appreciated.

Some halls require removing your shoes. Slip-on shoes make this easier.

You do not need to be religious to visit. Quietly observing is fine.