Not sure how to worship at Japanese shrines and temples? Six solutions for when you don’t have a guide.
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When I work as an interpreter guide at shrines and temples in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, I always ask foreign tourists if they know how to worship properly. Most of the time, the answer is “No.” They have often visited famous tourist spots like Kyoto before coming to Tokushima, but in those places, they mostly visit and take pictures of the famous shrines and temples. While they often comment that the sites are “beautiful” or “magnificent,” sometimes they don't even remember the names of the shrines and temples they visited. Many foreign tourists choose Japan as a destination specifically to visit historic shrines and temples. Here, I’ll share six tips to help you not just see, but truly enjoy and experience Japanese shrines and temples correctly.
1. Research basic etiquette before your visit
Learn the basics of shrine and temple etiquette by researching before your trip. Blog posts and tourism websites often provide detailed explanations of how to worship for foreign visitors. Search using keywords like “Japanese shrine etiquette” or “temple visiting tips” to gather information in advance.
2. Watch online videos, like those on YouTube
Watch YouTube videos that explain how to worship at shrines and temples. Many videos demonstrate how to use the purification basin (Chozuya) or offer coins (Saisen). Search and watch these videos before you arrive at a shrine or right before you worship.
3. Get multilingual worship guides
Obtain multilingual guidebooks or pamphlets at shrines and temples. Many of these include illustrated instructions on how to perform rituals such as using the purification basin and worshiping. Make sure to read through them before worshiping.
4. Use translation apps on your smartphone
Use translation apps like Google Translate on your smartphone to translate local signs and pamphlets to understand how to worship properly.
5. Visit nearby tourist information centers
Ask for guidance at tourist information centers located near shrines and temples. The staff often speak multiple languages and can explain the worship process in detail, so it’s worth asking them before you visit.
6. Observe other worshippers
Observe how other visitors are worshiping and try to follow along. You can naturally learn the correct way by imitating how others use the purification basin or perform worship gestures. Choose a time when it's not crowded to better observe the behavior of others.
However, these tips mainly apply to famous shrines and temples in popular tourist areas of Japan. In more regional shrines and temples, pamphlets may not be available in multiple languages, and nearby tourist information centers might not have English-speaking staff. Regional shrines and temples each have their unique histories and cultures. Questions like “Which deity is enshrined here?” “Who does this statue represent?” “Why is this building here?” and “Who built it and for what purpose?” often arise. If you want to delve deeper into the history and culture of Japan, rather than just passing through as a tourist, consider hiring an English-speaking guide who is knowledgeable about that particular shrine or temple. The more remote the shrine or temple, the more valuable having such a guide can be.
Here is a simple guide to the basic worship procedure at the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, which I often guide. The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage refers to a group of 88 Buddhist temples associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai) in Shikoku. Originally, the pilgrimage began as a way to follow in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi, treating the journey as a path of ascetic training. Nowadays, however, it has become popular among people who wish to visit these sacred places for purposes such as seeking good fortune, protection from misfortune, safe childbirth, or praying for good relationships. While pilgrims traditionally completed the pilgrimage on foot, today, people can choose various means of transportation, including bicycles, motorbikes, cars, or bus tours.
Most foreign tourists are not Buddhists and do not aim to complete the pilgrimage as traditional pilgrims, so please consider the worship methods outlined here as simplified procedures for visitors.
Let’s start the worship!
- Greet at the Gate
First, bow once at the main gate. Many temples have parking lots that allow direct access to the grounds, but it’s respectful to walk to the main gate and bow before entering.
- Purification
Purify your body, both inside and outside. At the purification basin (Chozuya), scoop water with the ladle and pour it over your left hand, and then your right hand. Use water from your left hand to rinse your mouth, and then rinse the ladle handle with the remaining water.
- Ring the Bell
If the temple allows, ring the bell once to announce your arrival to the temple’s deities. Avoid ringing it during early mornings or late at night so as not to disturb the surrounding community.
- Worship at the Main Hall
Visit the main hall, light one candle and three incense sticks, quietly place your coins (Saisen) in the offering box, and bow with your palms together. Unlike shrines, do not clap your hands; remember, this is a temple.
- Worship at the Daishido (Hall Dedicated to Kobo Daishi)
Visit the Daishido, quietly place your Saisen in the offering box, and bow with your palms together in reverence.
- Farewell Greeting
After your worship, bow once more at the gate before leaving.
All temples of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage follow similar worship practices, but each has its legends associated with Kobo Daishi. Additionally, the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is surrounded by a unique custom called "Osettai." Osettai refers to the tradition of locals offering food, drinks, and sometimes even free lodging to walking pilgrims, reflecting a distinctive aspect of Shikoku's culture.
By learning a bit more about the history and culture of Japan before simply visiting and taking photos at shrines and temples, your experience can become a more memorable and meaningful journey. May your visits to shrines and temples be a beautiful memory of your travels in Japan!