Shinto shrines in Japan

What is a Japanese Shrine?

Shrines are places where Shinto worshippers come to pay respects to kami. Japanese shrines vary widely in size and significance, ranging from small rural shrines to grand complexes like Ise Jingu and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Shrines are often surrounded by beautiful natural settings, such as forests, mountains, or rivers, as nature is deeply interconnected with Shinto beliefs.

Many shrines are marked by a torii gate, a symbolic entrance that separates the sacred space from the secular world. Inside the shrine grounds, you may find various structures:
・Torii Gate:
The iconic gate marking the transition from the mundane to the sacred.
・Main Hall (Honden):
The primary building where the kami is enshrined. Visitors don’t usually enter the honden itself, but they can approach it for prayers.
・Water Pavilion (Temizuya):
A cleansing station where visitors purify themselves before entering.
・Offerings Box:
Located near the main hall, where visitors can make offerings.
・Ema Plaques:
Wooden plaques where visitors write wishes or prayers to be dedicated to the shrine’s kami.
・Omikuji:
Fortunes on small slips of paper that can be obtained for guidance or luck.

How to Perform a Shrine Visit

Visiting a shrine follows a specific ritual intended to show respect to the kami and prepare oneself spiritually. Here’s a step-by-step guide to a typical shrine visit:

Step 1: Enter through the Torii Gate
When entering the shrine, bow slightly before passing through the torii gate. The gate represents the boundary between the secular and sacred, so showing reverence is important. If possible, avoid walking directly down the center of the path, known as the seichu, as it’s considered reserved for the kami.

Step 2: Purify Yourself at the Temizuya
Before approaching the main hall, visitors purify themselves at a temizuya (water pavilion). The purification ritual, known as temizu, is performed as follows:
(1) Pick up the Ladle: Take the ladle with your right hand.
(2) Wash Your Left Hand: Pour water over your left hand.
(3) Switch Hands: Transfer the ladle to your left hand and pour water over your right hand.
(4) Rinse Your Mouth: Switch the ladle back to your right hand, pour water into your left hand, and use this water to rinse your mouth (spitting the water discreetly beside the basin). Do not touch your mouth directly to the ladle.
(5) Rinse the Ladle: Let water run down the handle to cleanse the ladle before placing it back for the next visitor.

Step 3: Approach the Main Hall
After purification, proceed to the main hall (honden) to pay your respects. There is usually an offering box in front of the hall where you can make a small monetary offering, typically a five-yen coin, as the Japanese word for five yen (goen) sounds like the word for "good fortune."

Step 4: Perform the Prayer Ritual
The prayer ritual is called ni-rei, ni-hakushu, ichi-rei (two bows, two claps, one bow). This is the standard method for showing reverence to the kami:
(1) Bow Twice: Bow deeply from the waist twice.
(2) Clap Twice: Clap your hands twice, then hold your hands together in silent prayer or make a wish.
(3) Bow Once More: Conclude with a final bow to show respect.

Step 5: Exit the Shrine Respectfully
After your prayer, take a moment to enjoy the shrine grounds if you wish, then exit through the torii gate. As you leave, turn and bow lightly toward the shrine to express gratitude.

Shrine Etiquette and Manners

When visiting a Japanese shrine, following proper etiquette ensures that your presence is respectful of both the kami and other visitors. Here are some essential guidelines for shrine manners:

・Dress Modestly
While shrines don’t have strict dress codes, it’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting. Avoid overly casual attire like beachwear or revealing clothing, as shrines are spiritual places, and appropriate attire shows respect.
・Speak Quietly
Shrines are places of reverence and tranquility, so it’s best to keep voices low and conversations minimal. Avoid making loud noises, which could disrupt the peaceful atmosphere or distract others in prayer.
・Avoid Eating or Drinking on Shrine Grounds
Eating, drinking, and smoking are generally discouraged on shrine grounds, except in designated areas. Shrines are spaces for worship, and refraining from such activities maintains the sanctity of the environment.
・Photography Rules
Some shrines permit photography, but certain areas, especially near the honden or other sacred spaces, may restrict it. Always check for signs or ask a shrine staff member before taking photos. Avoid taking pictures during ceremonies or rituals, as this can be seen as intrusive.
・Omikuji and Ema Etiquette
If you choose to receive an omikuji (fortune), follow the traditional practice by reading it quietly. If the fortune is favorable, you may keep it or tie it to designated racks for continued good luck. If it’s unfavorable, tying it to the rack is said to leave the misfortune behind. When writing on ema (prayer plaques), keep your message respectful, as these are offerings meant for the kami.
・Refrain from Walking on the Center Path
When walking within the shrine grounds, avoid walking directly down the center of paths, especially when approaching the main hall. This path, known as seichu, is considered reserved for the kami, so walking slightly to the side is respectful.

Additional Features of Shrines

Many shrines have additional features that enhance the experience, blending culture, spirituality, and nature.

➕ Shimenawa Rope:
Large twisted ropes, often adorned with white zigzag paper strips (shide), mark sacred areas or objects, such as trees and rocks, that are believed to house kami.
➕ Sacred Trees and Stones:
Shrines may have ancient trees or stones marked as sacred, symbolizing the presence of kami. These are often wrapped with shimenawa ropes and are not to be touched.
➕ Seasonal Events:
Shrines host seasonal festivals, or matsuri, which can range from small local celebrations to large-scale events with processions, music, and dance. Festivals honor the shrine’s kami and are vibrant expressions of Shinto culture.