Visiting shrines and temples

Shrines (jinja, also -gū or -taisha in their names) are dedicated to kami, the deities of Shinto. They are entered through a torii gate, often guarded by a pair of komainu (lion-dogs), and the main hall is usually plain wood with a rope (shimenawa) and zigzag paper streamers (shide).

Temples (tera, -ji or -in in their names) are Buddhist. They are entered through a sanmon or niōmon gate, often with fierce guardian kings, and typically have a large incense burner, a pagoda or a bell tower, and halls housing statues of buddhas and bodhisattvas. Many sites mix both, a legacy of the centuries before the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in 1868.

At a torii or temple gate, visitors often pause and bow slightly before entering and again when leaving. On a shrine's approach, the centre of the path (seichū) is traditionally regarded as the way of the kami, so people walk slightly to one side.

Dress need not be formal, but very revealing clothing is out of place. Hats are removed inside halls. Shoes come off before entering any building with a raised wooden or tatami floor. Eating, smoking and loud behaviour are avoided in sacred areas, and ropes, fences and 'no entry' signs mark places reserved for priests, monks or worshippers.

At a temple there is no clapping. Visitors may light a stick of incense and place it in the burner, or waft its smoke towards themselves. At the hall they drop an offering into the box, press their palms together (gasshō), bow their head and pray silently, then bow once more before stepping away. Some ring a gong or bell if one hangs at the front of the hall.

During services, visitors can often sit quietly at the back; photography of the altar and statues is usually not permitted.

Most shrines and many temples have an office (juyosho at shrines) where visitors can receive items connected with the site. These are regarded as sacred rather than souvenirs, and are received respectfully with both hands.

The grounds of most shrines and temples may be photographed, but interiors, altars and many statues may not; signs make this clear. Ceremonies such as weddings and purification rites are private events, even when held in view of visitors, and should not be interrupted for pictures.

Non-Buddhists and non-Shintoists are free to pray, draw fortunes and receive amulets. Doing so sincerely is not considered appropriation; what matters is respectful behaviour.