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ETIQUETTE

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ETIQUETTE

How to Worship at a Shinto Shrine: Temizu, Torii, and Two Bows Two Claps

First-time shrine visitors often wonder exactly how to purify their hands, pass through the torii gate, and perform the two-bow-two-clap-one-bow ritual. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need.

Contents

MOKUJI

The Basics of Shinto Shrine Worship

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Step 1: Passing Through the Torii Gate

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Step 2: Temizu — Purifying at the Water Basin

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Step 3: Worship at the Main Hall — Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow

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Recommended Practice Shrines

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Visiting Tips

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FAQ

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The Basics of Shinto Shrine Worship

Visiting a Japanese shrine can feel intimidating if you’re unsure of the etiquette. The good news: the key principles are straightforward, and sincerity matters more than perfection.

Step 1: Passing Through the Torii Gate

The torii gate marks the boundary between the everyday world and the sacred space of the deity.

How to pass through:

Stop before the torii and bow lightly once toward the main hall

Walk on either side of the central path (the center is the deity’s path)

Don’t rush — walk calmly

Bow again when leaving through the torii on your way out

Step 2: Temizu — Purifying at the Water Basin

The temizuya (手水舎) is a covered pavilion with running water near the entrance. Purify here before approaching the main hall.

Four-step temizu procedure:

Hold the ladle in your right hand; pour water over your left hand

Switch ladle to left hand; pour water over your right hand

Switch back to right hand; pour water into your cupped left hand and rinse your mouth (do not touch ladle to lips)

Tilt the ladle vertically to let water rinse the handle; return it

Don’ts:

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Don’t dip the ladle into the basin

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Don’t leave the area without returning the ladle

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Don’t touch the flower arrangements in hana-temizu basins

Step 3: Worship at the Main Hall — Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow

Place offering: Gently put coins in the offertory box (don’t throw)

Ring the bell (if one is present): Shake the rope gently once or twice

Two deep bows: Bend at about 90 degrees, hold briefly, straighten

Two hand claps: Raise both hands to chest height, offset right hand slightly lower, clap twice. Then press palms together and pray silently

One final bow: One more deep bow to close

Note: Izumo Taisha and a few other shrines use four claps instead of two — follow local custom.

Recommended Practice Shrines

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Meiji Jingu: Tokyo’s grandest shrine; 700,000 sq meters of forested grounds

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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: Kamakura’s iconic shrine with many traditional ceremonies

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Kanda Myojin: 730-year-old guardian shrine of old Edo; well-maintained temizuya

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Jufukuji: Zen temple to practice the Buddhist style (gassho, no clapping)

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Kanei-ji: Tokugawa family Tendai temple

Visiting Tips

Best time to visit:

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Early morning (7-9 AM): Quiet, fresh air, fewer visitors

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Daytime: Lively atmosphere but crowded

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Evening: Atmospheric when lit up

What to bring:

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Handkerchief (to dry hands after temizu)

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Small coins for the offering

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Goshuin-cho (stamp book) if collecting shrine stamps

FAQ

Is temizu mandatory?

Not strictly required, but it is the traditional purification ritual before worship. During health concerns, hand sanitizer is often provided as an alternative.

What if there’s no bell?

Simply proceed to the two-bow-two-clap-one-bow ritual without it.

How is a Buddhist temple different?

At temples, do not clap. After placing your offering, press both palms together (gassho) and bow once silently.

Does the amount of the offering matter?

Sincerity matters more than amount. The 5-yen coin (go-en) is popular because it sounds like “good fortune” (go-en) in Japanese.

Last updated: May 2026

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