temple etiquette（仏閣マナー）

I’d like to explain something related to Asakusa for my first post. In Asakusa, there are many temples and shrines. The most famous temple is Senso-ji Temple. To the right of Senso-ji Temple’s main hall, you’ll find Asakusa Shrine. Senso-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple, while Asakusa Shrine is a Shinto shrine. In Japan, there are specific manners and methods for paying respects at temples and shrines, and even many Japanese people may not know them correctly.

Temple Visit Etiquette:

1. Purify Your Hands: Before entering the temple, it’s important to purify your hands. You can do this by washing your hands with water at the temple’s entrance or in a special basin, and sometimes, rinsing your mouth.
2. Offer a Donation: When visiting a temple, it’s customary to offer a donation. There are donation boxes where you can place money or designated areas to leave your offering.
3. Pray: Enter the main hall or temple, bow deeply, and then offer your prayers or wishes silently. It’s common to clasp your hands together or bow. You can also purchase amulets or charms during your visit.
4. Bow Twice, Clap Twice (Silently), and Bow Again: After your prayers, perform two deep bows, clap your hands twice silently, pray, and then bow deeply once more before leaving.
5. Conclusion of the Visit: When you’ve finished your visit, bow deeply once more before exiting the temple. Inside the temple grounds, maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.

Shrine Visit Etiquette:

1. Torii Gate: At the entrance to a shrine, you’ll often find a large Torii gate. Before passing through, bow respectfully. This gesture signifies respect for the shrine as the gateway to the divine. The Torii gate symbolizes the entrance to the god’s abode.
2. Approach Path: As you proceed into the shrine grounds, typically via stone steps or a path, walk quietly and with respect, as the approach is considered a sacred space. Some interpret this path as the “path of birth,” symbolizing the journey of life, so it’s important to show reverence.
3. Hand Washing at the Temizuya: Before entering the shrine itself, cleanse your hands at the Temizuya (water ablution pavilion). The typical process is to wash your right hand, then your left, and finally, rinse your mouth if water is available or there’s a spout.
4. Visiting the Main Hall: Upon reaching the main hall, start by bowing and then offer a monetary donation in the donation box, often using 5 or 10 yen coins. After placing your offering, bow again and make your prayers. Sometimes, you may ring a large bell as part of the ritual.
5. Bow Twice, Clap Twice (With Sound), Pray, and Bow Again: Similar to temple etiquette, after making your prayers, perform two deep bows, clap your hands twice (making sound), pray, and bow deeply again before leaving.

It’s important to note that there are differences in customs, including the clapping, between temples and shrines in Japan. Regardless of whether you’re visiting a temple or shrine, the most important thing is to make your wishes or prayers sincerely from the heart.