What to Do at a Japanese Shrine: Step-by-Step Visitor Guide (2026)

So you're visiting a Japanese shrine—now what? Beyond the basic prayer ritual, there's a whole world of activities and experiences waiting for you. This guide walks you through everything you can do at a Shinto shrine, from the moment you arrive.

Complete Shrine Visit Checklist

1. Pass Through the Torii Gate

Every shrine has at least one torii gate marking the entrance. Bow slightly before passing through, and walk along the edges of the path (the center is reserved for the gods).

2. Purify at the Temizu Basin

The water basin near the entrance is for ritual purification. Wash your hands and rinse your mouth following the traditional steps (left hand, right hand, mouth, left hand, handle).

3. Pray at the Main Hall

This is the heart of your shrine visit. Approach the offering box, drop in a coin (¥5 is lucky), ring the bell if available, and follow the "two bows, two claps, one bow" prayer pattern.

4. Draw an Omikuji Fortune

Omikuji (御神籤) are paper fortunes that reveal your luck in various areas of life.

What to do with it: Keep good fortunes with you; tie bad fortunes to the designated rack at the shrine to leave the bad luck behind.

5. Write an Ema Prayer Tablet

Ema (絵馬) are wooden plaques where you write wishes for the gods to read.

• Buy an ema at the shrine office (¥500-1,000)
• Write your wish on the blank side
• Hang it on the designated rack
• Common wishes: exam success, health, love, business prosperity

Fun fact: Many shrines have unique ema shapes—fox faces at Inari shrines, hearts at love shrines, etc.

6. Buy an Omamori Amulet

Omamori (お守り) are protective amulets blessed by the shrine. Common types include:

Note: Omamori are meant to be replaced annually. Return old ones to a shrine (any shrine is fine) for proper disposal.

7. Collect a Goshuin Stamp

Goshuin (御朱印) are artistic calligraphy stamps that serve as proof of your visit. This has become a popular collector's hobby in Japan.

• Buy a goshuin-chō (stamp book) if you don't have one (¥1,000-2,000)
• Bring it to the shrine office and request a goshuin
• Pay ¥300-500 and wait for the beautiful hand-brushed calligraphy
• Never ask for goshuin without a proper stamp book

8. Explore the Shrine Grounds

Larger shrines have much more to see beyond the main hall:

• Sub-shrines (Sessha/Massha): Smaller shrines dedicated to related deities
• Sacred trees: Ancient trees often wrapped with shimenawa ropes
• Gardens and ponds: Many shrines have beautiful landscapes
• Historical buildings: Treasure halls, gates, and pagodas
• Nature paths: Some shrines offer hiking trails

9. Enjoy Shrine Food and Souvenirs

Many shrines have adjacent shopping streets or food stalls:

• Inari shrines: Inari sushi (fried tofu pouches with rice)
• Meiji Shrine: Takeshita Street nearby for crepes and fashion
• Festival days: Yakisoba, takoyaki, yakitori stalls
• Traditional sweets: Mochi, dango, and seasonal treats

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

First-time visitors often worry about making mistakes. Here are the most common ones:

What if I make a mistake?

Don't panic! The Kami are benevolent and forgiving. If you accidentally clap three times or forget to bow, just offer a quiet apology in your heart. Intent matters more than perfect form.

Special Things to Do at Shrines

"A shrine visit is more than just praying—it's a chance to connect with Japanese spirituality, nature, and tradition. Take your time and soak it all in."