Hi all! I just returned from Japan, and noticed some rather rude behavior at shrines. These are sacred spaces, not amusement park attractions or Instagram photo spots. Here’s a few things to keep in mind when visiting a shrine and taking in the lovely sights.
1. Do not walk in the middle of the torii (gate). The middle is for the kami to walk, and it’s rude to take their place. It’s polite to bow before going through a torii, but it’s not strictly necessary.
2. Do not take pictures of the inner shrine! Most major shrines now have no photo signs, but the smaller ones don’t. The inner shrine (the space behind the offering box) is where Kamisama dwell. It’s the most sacred space in the shrine. Also, don’t take pictures of people praying.
3. Please keep your voice down, again, it’s a sacred space.
4. This should go without saying, but don’t climb on the structures. (Especially the torii)
5. Do go ahead and say a prayer! Also go get a goshuin (a stamp with calligraphy) after, they’re beautiful and a great way to remember your visit.
Thanks for reading!
5 comments
1. Seems alittle excessive to ask, it’s a TIL so thanks for the info but unless the shrines themselves care about it to post about it I find it hard to ask everyone to avoid the center if it’s a more busier entrance like Fushimi inari at peak times.
The rest are good etiquette to follow, honestly applicable for any foreigners visiting any other countries esp some more sacred places
do goshuin cost?
At night you can take pictures inside because the kami are sleeping elsewhere.
2. The most sacred part is usually not visible. Many shrines have something like two structures linked by a corridor. The front place is where some rituals are conducted and people can go there. The building behind is where the kami in enshrined and only the priest would go there for specific rituals. I am not saying it’s ok to take pictures, especially when they ask not to, but just wanted to clarify this point.
Was at Meiji Jingu the other day, and many people most definitely are still walking through the middle…
No climbers though!
And the “No Photography” sign does deter them from taking photos of the inner parts too.