If you go to Japan, you must know shrine etiquette!

#TravelGuide #JapanTravel #JapaneseShrines There are some basic etiquettes when visiting a Japanese shrine. First of all, when passing the torii (鳥居) at the entrance of the shrine, it is polite to bow slightly and greet before passing. The torii is the boundary between the sacred and secular space, so it is better to walk to the left or right, thinking that the center is the path that the gods walk. When you enter a shrine, there is usually a temizuya (手水舎, temizuya) near the entrance, where you perform a ritual to purify your hands and mouth. Hold the ladle (ひしゃく) with your right hand, wash your left hand, then hold it with your left hand, wash your right hand, then hold it with your right hand again, pour water into your left hand, rinse your mouth, and spit it out. Finally, wash the handle of the ladle and put it back in its place. After purification, go to the main shrine to pay your respects, and the order is ‘2 bows, 2 claps, 1 bow.’ First, put a coin in the offering box (usually 5 yen, as it is said to bring good fortune), bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, pray or make a wish in your heart, and bow once more at the end. When visiting, it is important to act quietly and calmly, and be careful not to disturb other visitors who are praying. Only take pictures where it is permitted, and refrain from taking pictures of people praying or taking selfies. Also, since the shrine is a religious space, it is polite to avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing or like swimsuits, and to dress neatly. Overall, if you visit quietly and politely, you will leave a good impression on everyone.