How to Pray at the Main Shrine
After purifying yourself at the temizuya, walk quietly toward the main shrine. When you stand before the offering box, take a moment to calm your mind.
First, place a small offering, called saisen, into the offering box. There is no fixed amount for saisen. It is a personal offering, so the feeling behind it is more important than the amount.
However, putting in many small coins can sometimes create extra work for the shrine. When the shrine staff take those coins to the bank, exchange or deposit fees may cost more than expected. A handful of tiny coins may feel generous, but it can become a little “bank-fee adventure” for the shrine. If you are unsure, a 100-yen coin is a simple and considerate choice.
If there is a bell, ring it gently before you pray.
The basic way to pray at many Japanese shrines is called “two bows, two claps, one bow.”
- Bow deeply twice.
- Clap your hands twice.
- Place your hands together and offer your prayer quietly.
- Bow deeply once more.
This is the most common form of shrine prayer, but some shrines have their own special customs. For example, Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture, officially called Izumo Oyashiro, and Usa Jingu in Oita Prefecture are known for two bows, four claps, and one bow.
Yoshimizu Shrine in Nara Prefecture has an especially unique style: surprisingly, it is two bows, seventeen claps, and one bow.
In fact, there is no rule that says everyone must follow one single style perfectly. However, Jinja Honcho, an organization that oversees many Shinto shrines in Japan, and many shrines generally recommend the basic style of two bows, two claps, and one bow.
If a shrine has its own instructions, it is best to follow the custom of that shrine.
When leaving the shrine grounds, walk back along the side of the path. After passing through the torii gate, turn around toward the shrine and bow once. This final bow is a quiet way to show gratitude before returning to the everyday world.
