How to visit shrines and temples

You should be polite when visiting temples. Say simple prayers in front of the Buddha statue and bow to show respect for the Buddha. You should also say a short prayer before offering the sesame oil money. In temples, it is common to burn incense and make offerings. Pilgrims usually first buy some incense and light it in a large incense burner; after the flame burns for a few seconds, they gently wave it out, being careful not to blow it out with their mouths; then, they insert the incense into the incense burner and gently blow the smoke with their hands. Lightly wave it towards yourself. People who believe in Buddhism say that these aromas can cure all kinds of diseases. For example, if you feel pain in your shoulders, you can wave the aroma towards your shoulders. You may be asked to take off your shoes when entering the temple. If that's the case, place your shoes on a shoe rack near the door or put them in a plastic bag provided by the temple. Since you may be asked to take off your shoes, please be sure to wear a pair of neat socks when visiting a temple. Generally speaking, photography is allowed inside temples. In some temples, photography is prohibited inside the halls. Please pay attention to the signs near the temples. The incense lit in the temple and the purification spring in the shrine are solemn. If you are unwell, have trauma or sorrow, it is not suitable to visit the shrine, because Shinto thinking believes that these will bring impure things. At the purification spring near the entrance of the shrine, take a prepared small ladle to get some spring water and rinse your hands. Then hold some water in your hands, rinse your mouth, and spit the mouthwash out of the spring pool. Visitors should not drink water directly from a ladle into their mouths or drink the water. Although some people skip the process of cleaning their palms and mouth, it is still recommended that your worship be an authentic worship process. Please be careful not to drink water directly from a small water scoop or put water into your mouth. In the sacrificial hall, put a coin into the small box for donation, bow deeply twice, high-five twice, bow again and pray for a few seconds. If there is an alarm bell or gong in the temple, you can ring it gently when praying. Shinto believes that this can get the attention of the god. Photography is generally allowed at the shrine, but please also pay attention to the signs around it.