When you arrive at the haiden (hall of worship) at any shrine in Japan, here are five steps to follow to complete your prayer with proper etiquette.
How to pray
- Gently toss a coin(s) into the saisen (offertory) box
- Bow deeply twice
- Join your hands in a prayer position and clap twice
- Press your hands together and silently make a wish or prayer
- Bow deeply once
The beauty lies in the silence. Everyone prays quietly and respectfully, allowing space for others. During particularly busy seasons like hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year) in early January, please be mindful of other visitors and keep your prayers short, under a minute.
Don’t worry if you get confused or nervous. Just calmly observe the person in front of you and follow what they did.
FAQ
- Can anyone pray at a Japanese shrine?
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Yes, you do not need to consider Shinto as your religion to make an offering and pray at a Japanese shrine.
- How much money should I offer when praying at a shrine?
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While there is no official or correct amount to offer, various amounts are associated with good or bad luck. The most common offering is a 5-yen coin, as 5 yen (5円) is pronounced “go en” in Japanese, which sounds the same as “go-en” (ご縁) meaning connection or fate.