Kyoto is renowned for its serene shrines, where history and spirituality converge in a display of traditional Japanese culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, understanding the proper etiquette and rituals can deepen your experience and help you connect with Japan’s rich heritage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential practices—vowing, writing on ema, purchasing charms, drawing omikuji, and making offerings—that transform a simple visit into a meaningful ritual.
Table of Contents
What's a Shrine?
A Shinto shrine, or “jinja,” is a sacred space where the kami—spirits or deities—are worshipped. These shrines are integral to Japan’s indigenous Shinto religion, serving as spiritual centers for prayer, purification, and community rituals. In Kyoto, you’ll find shrines nestled in forests, tucked between city streets, and standing near rivers, each one dedicated to a specific kami with its own unique traditions. Unlike temples, which are Buddhist, shrines reflect Japan’s native spiritual heritage and emphasize nature, purity, and seasonal festivals.
Definitive Guide of Visiting Shrines
1. Entering with Respect: The Torii and Purification Ritual
The Torii Gate
As you approach a shrine, you’ll first encounter the torii gate, a striking symbol marking the transition from the mundane to the sacred.
Tip:
Pause and Bow: Stop before entering and offer a respectful bow. This simple gesture acknowledges the spiritual boundary and shows your reverence for the divine.
Avoid the Center of the Road: The center of the road is considered the way for the Kami, so we, as mere mortals, should walk sideways.
Purification at the Temizuya
Before stepping into the main shrine, cleanse yourself at the temizuya (water basin).
How to Purify:
- Right Hand First: Scoop water with the ladle using your right hand and pour it over your left hand.
- Switch Hands: Repeat with your left hand to cleanse your right hand.
- Mouth Rinse: Pour a little water into your left hand, then sip (do not use the ladle directly on your lips) to rinse your mouth.
- Final Rinse: Cleanse the ladle by making it vertical to let the water flow from top to bottom.
This ritual symbolizes the cleansing of the body and mind before approaching the sacred space.
2. Making an Offering: Prayer Rituals at the Main Shrine
Offering a Coin and Ringing the Bell
At the main hall, you’ll typically find an offering box (saisen-bako) and a bell. This is the place where the visitors make a wish. To properly do that, you need to know these following steps.
Step-by-Step Prayer
- Toss a Coin: Drop a coin into the saisen-bako—commonly a 5-yen coin, as the number five is considered lucky. A 5-yen coin is Go-en in Japanese, and Go-en also means good luck.
- Ring the Bell: If there’s a bell, ring it to alert the deities of your presence.
- Bowing and Clapping:
- Bow Twice: Lower your head to show respect.
- Clap Twice: This is to call the attention of the gods.
- Offer Your Prayer: With a quiet, sincere heart, make your wish or prayer.
- Final Bow: Conclude with one more respectful bow.
This sequence, though simple, is a powerful way to express gratitude and ask for blessings.
3. Writing Your Wishes on an Ema
What is an Ema?
Ema are small wooden plaques available at shrines where you can write your wishes or prayers. They are later hung up for the deity to receive.
How to Use an Ema
- Purchase an Ema: They’re typically available for a small fee (around ¥500–¥800).
- Write Your Wish: Use a pen provided by the shrine to write down your wish, whether it’s for good health, success in studies, or safe travel.
- Hang It Up: Find the designated area (often a rack) and hang your ema among those of other visitors, creating a tapestry of shared hopes.
4. Drawing an Omikuji: Your Personal Fortune
Understanding Omikuji
Omikuji are fortune slips that provide insights into various aspects of your life—health, love, work, and more.
How to Get Your Omikuji
- Pay the Fee: Typically, it costs around ¥100–¥300 to draw a slip from the box.
- Read Your Fortune: Once you’ve picked a slip, take a moment to read and reflect on your fortune.
- Tying It Up: If the fortune is negative, it’s customary to tie the slip to a designated tree or rack. This act is believed to leave the bad luck behind and let the positive forces take over.
5. Acquiring an Omamori: A Lucky Charm
What are Omamori?
Omamori are small, decorative pouches sold at shrines, believed to protect or bring good fortune in specific areas like health, success, or safe travels. The most popular Omamori is Gakugyo-Joju, meaning good luck with study. Since Japan is famous for the difficulty of a entrance exam of university so students always buy an Omamori before the exam.
Tips for Omamori
- Choose the Right One: Many shrines offer various types of omamori—select one that best suits your needs.
- Carry It With You: Keep your omamori close, whether in your bag or pinned to your clothing, as a token of ongoing protection and luck.
- Renew Annually: Traditionally, omamori are replaced on a yearly basis to maintain their protective power.
Top 3 Shrines in Kyoto
Located at the gateway to Gion, Yasaka Shrine is known for its striking red gates and vibrant lanterns. As the spiritual heart of the famous Gion Matsuri, it draws visitors seeking blessings for love, health, and protection. If you’re exploring Gion with us, this shrine offers a perfect introduction to Kyoto’s enduring spiritual traditions.
Nestled near Nijo Castle, Mikane Shrine may be a hidden gemand small in size but is big in reputation. It’s dedicated to wealth and financial luck, and its golden torii gate makes it a unique photo spot. Many guests on our Nijo Castle tour love this quick detour for a quiet wish of prosperity.
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A peaceful haven in northern Kyoto, Kamigamo Shrine is one of the city’s oldest and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for purification rituals and beautifully maintained grounds, it’s a serene place to reflect and reconnect with nature and tradition.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing a shrine in Kyoto is much more than a casual visit—it’s a journey into the heart of Japanese culture and spirituality. From purifying your hands to writing your deepest wishes on an ema, every step is a connection to centuries of tradition.
Join Kyoto Insight and let our expert guides lead you through these enchanting traditions. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a seasoned cultural explorer, our tours offer a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s spiritual heritage, turning every visit into an unforgettable journey.
Book your free tour with Kyoto Insight today and experience the magic of Kyoto’s shrines—one sacred ritual at a time!
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I visit a shrine if I’m not religious?
Yes! Shrines are open to everyone. Visitors are welcome to experience the culture and show respect through proper etiquette.What should I wear when visiting a shrine?
Dress modestly and respectfully. There’s no strict dress code, but avoid beachwear or overly revealing clothing.Is there a fee to enter shrines?
Most shrines in Kyoto are free to enter, though donations or small fees may apply for ema, omikuji, or charms.Can I take photos at shrines?
In general, photos are allowed in the outer areas, but photography is usually prohibited inside the main halls. Look for signs or ask if unsure.What’s the difference between a shrine and a temple?
Shrines are part of the Shinto religion, while temples are Buddhist. Shrines have torii gates and focus on nature spirits; temples have Buddhist statues and incense.Do I need to bow or clap when visiting?
Yes, follow the etiquette: bow twice, clap twice, make a wish, then bow once more at the main offering hall.What’s a good coin to offer?
A 5-yen coin is considered lucky because “go-en” means both “five yen” and “good fortune” or “fate” in Japanese.Can I take an omamori home as a souvenir?
Absolutely. Omamori are meaningful souvenirs, and many visitors take them home for protection or as gifts.What should I do with a bad fortune (omikuji)?
Tie it to the designated rack or tree at the shrine to leave the bad luck behind.How long does a shrine visit typically take?
A simple visit may take 15–30 minutes, but if you explore all rituals and areas, plan for 45 minutes to an hour.
