Shinto Shrine Customs: How to Pray at Japanese Shrines

In Japan and would like to experience and participate in Shinto Shrine customs? Learn how to pray at a Japanese Shrine, as well as other shrine customs and Shinto activities!

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Intro

Stepping into the heart of Japan unveils a world where spirituality intertwines seamlessly with daily life. At the core of this cultural tapestry lies Shintoism, an ancient indigenous belief system that reveres nature, spirits, and the essence of purity.

Shinto shrines are the places of worship and can be found all throughout Japan which both locals and tourists can visit. To respect, appreciate, and experience Japanese culture and Shinto practices, learn how to perform Shinto shrine customs, such as ritual gestures, and about other traditions a shrine may offer.

All information within this post was learned from my Tour Guide on the Tokyo Private Day Trip – Enjoy Your First-Time Visit to Tokyo! tour with OTOMO Travel. I was so fascinated by Japanese Shinto traditions and want to share what I learned with you all.

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Before Entering Shrine Grounds – Torii Gates & Kami Paths

Most entrances to Shinto shrines are marked by a torii gate. Torii gates signify the entry point onto sacred grounds and can be accompanied by more. The torii gates can be made up of different materials, such as concrete or wood, and there can be a multitude of red-colored gates that create a beautiful tunnel. Each red-colored gate normally is donated by a sponsor, where the sponsor along with the donation date is written in Japanese on both vertical pillars.

Some unique torii gates I’ve seen included a torii gate made of tree trunks at Nonomiya-jinja Shrine in Kyoto, and a large concrete torii gate at Hie Shrine in Tokyo!

Before entering the shrine grounds, it is a Japanese custom to bow at the first gate facing towards the shrine area. Additionally, the center of the path heading to the main Shrine is reserved for the gods, called kami, so it is customary to walk along either side of the main path’s walkway.

Before Entering Main Shrine – Purify Yourself

At the entrance of some Japanese Shinto Shrines, there may be a water basin, called temizuya or chōzuya, with bamboo ladles. It is customary to purify yourself here before entering the main sanctuary. If you choose to do this, you will perform the following:

• Using the ladle with your right hand, fill it with the flowing water and pour it over your left hand to wash it
• Switch ladle hands and wash your right hand the same way
• Switch ladle hands, and cup your left hand and fill it with water from the ladle
• With the lefthand water, sip it, rinse your mouth, and spit it out into the bottom water basin
• Re-wash your lefthand using the ladle
• Fill the ladle one last time and tip it up and towards you so that the water rinses, or cleanses, the ladle handle

Shinto Shrine – Praying

Once inside a Shrine’s main complex, you’ll find people praying at the main Shrine. If you want to pray and make an offering then you can perform the following at the shrine:

• Toss a coin into the offering box
• Bow down twice, positioning your upper body at about a 45-degree angle
• Softly clap your hands twice
• Press your palms together in prayer form in front of your chest, but don’t link your fingers across
• Pray and make a wish
• Deeply bow down once

Shinto Traditions

There are several Shinto activities you can partake in if a Shrine offers it.

Ema Tablet

The Ema tablet is a fascinating and deeply symbolic tradition within the realm of Japanese Shinto practices. The Ema tradition is a significant part of Shinto worship which offers a unique way for individuals to communicate their prayers and wishes to the kami. At shrines, you can partake in the tradition by writing a wish on an ema tablet. There may be a table with empty ema tablets for you to write on, and a nearby wall to hand it on:

The Ritual of Ema Offering:

1. Selection of Ema Tablet: choose an Ema tablet that resonates with you or features an image associated with the specific shrine’s deity
2. Writing Prayers and Wishes: Before offering the Ema, write a heartfelt messages on the blank side of the wooden plaque. This act is considered a personal and intimate dialogue with the kami.
3. Hanging the Ema at the Shrine: Then hang the completed Ema on a designated rack or wall within the shrine grounds. This public display of private prayers symbolizes the connection between the earthly and divine realms.
4. Symbolic Gesture: The act of hanging the Ema at the shrine is a symbolic gesture of offering one’s desires to the kami. It’s believed that the kami, in turn, will receive these messages and grant blessings or protection in response.

Omamori

Omamori is a cherished and widely practiced tradition within Japanese Shinto beliefs. The term “omamori” translates to “protection” or “charms,” and these small beautifully adorned amulets are believed to bring various forms of luck, protection, and blessings to those who possess them. Shinto shrines may have a designated omamori shop where you can purchase various amulets for specific needs, desires, or different purposes.

Types of Omamori:

Omamori comes in a variety of types, each designed to provide specific blessings or protections. Some common types of omamori include:

1. Health and Well-being: These omamori are believed to offer protection against illness and promote general well-being.
2. Academic Success: Students often seek omamori to bring luck and success in exams and educational pursuits.
3. Business Prosperity: Entrepreneurs and professionals may carry omamori for success and prosperity in their careers.
4. Love and Relationships: Omamori for love and relationships are thought to bring luck in romantic endeavors and matrimonial happiness.
5. Travel Safety: Omamori designed for travelers are believed to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
6. Traffic Safety: Some omamori focus specifically on protection while driving or traveling, seeking safety on the roads.

Omikuji

Omikuji is a fascinating and popular divination tradition deeply rooted in Japanese Shinto practices. The term “omikuji” translates to “sacred lottery” or “fortune-telling,” and it involves seeking guidance, predictions, or insights into one’s future through the drawing of random written fortunes. This tradition is commonly practiced at Shinto shrines where you can purchase an omikuji.

The Ritual of Omikuji:

1. Choosing an Omikuji: Upon arriving at a shrine, you can purchase or draw an omikuji. These are typically small, folded pieces of paper containing written fortunes
2. Prayer and Intentions: Before drawing an omikuji, it’s common to offer a brief prayer, focusing on your intentions or the specific aspect of your life you seek guidance for
3. Drawing the Fortune: Omikuji are usually stored in containers marked with numbers or categories. Randomly select one of these and receive the corresponding fortune
4. Interpreting the Fortune: Fortunes range from extremely auspicious to very inauspicious, with various gradations in between. Each fortune provides specific guidance on aspects such as health, relationships, business, travel, or academics. The omikuji is printed in Japanese kanji, and the English translation may also be provided.

Weddings

Additionally, watch out for any traditional Japanese weddings happening too! The bride, groom, and wedding party wear beautiful traditional attire, including the white silk kimono of the bride with an adorned headpiece, and the black and white formal ensemble of the groom.

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Final Words

Japanese Shinto traditions form a beautiful tapestry of spiritual practices that connect individuals with the divine, nature, and the cultural heritage of Japan. These traditions offer a glimpse into a profound and enduring spiritual legacy that continues to shape the cultural identity of Japan. Bon Voyage!

Have you been to Shinto Shrines in Japan?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!

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