Visiting Shrines and Temples: What to Do and What to Avoid

A torii gate marks a Shinto shrine; temples are Buddhist and typically have a more subdued wooden gate and statues rather than a torii.

At a shrine: bow once at the torii, walk to the side of the central path (the middle is reserved for the deity), rinse your hands at the water basin (temizuya), then at the main hall: toss a coin, bow twice, clap twice, pray, bow once more.

At a temple: a simple bow and quiet prayer at the main hall is appropriate; the clapping sequence is a shrine-specific practice, not used at temples.

Keep your voice down, don't sit on sacred structures for photos, and follow any posted photography restrictions inside halls.