As I mentioned before, shrines are dedicated to Japanese mythology and great people of the past.
Today, I would like to talk about how to visit shrines.
First, pass through the torii gate, the main entrance to the shrine.
Next, wash and purify your hands before going to the main shrine.
(1) Go to the hand-watering basin and hold the ladle with your right hand.
(2) Fill the ladle with water and pour it over your left hand.
(3) Switch the ladle to your left hand, draw water from the ladle, and pour water over your right hand.
(4) Switch the ladle to the right hand, draw water from the ladle and put the water in the left hand.
(5) Rinse the mouth with the water in the left hand.
(6) Wash the left hand and return the ladle to its original position.
(Caution: Do not put your mouth directly on the ladle.
After purifying your hands and mouth, head for the main shrine.
(1) Throw coins into the offering box. (Any amount is acceptable).
(2) Ring the large bell in the main shrine. (If there is no bell, skip this step.
(3) Bow slowly twice to the main shrine.
(4) Clap your hands together twice with a slight movement of the hands at your chest.
(5) Firmly clap your hands together and pray.
(6) When you have finished praying, face the main shrine and bow once.
That is all.
After praying, why not buy a good luck charm or draw a fortune at the shrine office (store)?
When you are done with all your business, please go back through the torii gate.
As a trivia, please do not walk through the middle of the approach to the shrine when passing through the torii gate. The middle of the path is the path of the Gods.
