How to visit a shrine
- Fluent Japanese
- May 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 21
日本（にほん）には、たくさんのきれいな神社（じんじゃ）があります。Shrine は、日本語（にほんご）で「じんじゃ」と言（い）います。神社（じんじゃ）に行（い）くことは、日本（にほん）の文化（ぶんか）を体験（たいけん）するよい方法（ほうほう）です。思（おも）っているほど、むずかしくないですよ。
There are a lot of beautiful shrines in Japan. Shrine in Japanese is "jinja"神社（じんじゃ）。 Visiting a shrine is a great way to experience Japanese culture, and it's not as difficult as you might think.
神社（じんじゃ）を訪（おとず）れる理由（りゆう）｜Reasons to Visit Shrines
Visiting shrines is more than just sightseeing. It’s an opportunity to connect with Japan's rich history and spirituality. Each shrine has its own unique story and significance. You can learn about traditional practices and rituals that have been passed down through generations.
文化（ぶんか）を体験（たいけん）する｜Experience the Culture
When you visit a shrine, you immerse yourself in Japanese culture. The architecture, the rituals, and even the atmosphere contribute to a deeper understanding of Japan. You can see how nature and spirituality are intertwined.
心（こころ）を落ち着ける｜Find Peace of Mind
Shrines are often peaceful places. They provide a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can take a moment to reflect and find tranquility. This makes visiting a shrine a refreshing experience.
自然（しぜん）とのつながり｜Connection with Nature
Many shrines are surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Trees, water, and wildlife create a serene environment. This connection with nature enhances the spiritual experience.
友達や家族（かぞく）と一緒（いっしょ）に｜Visit with Friends and Family
Visiting shrines can be a wonderful group activity. You can share the experience with friends and family. It’s a chance to bond over learning and exploration.
写真（しゃしん）を撮（と）る｜Capture the Moment
Shrines are visually stunning. You can take beautiful photos to remember your visit. Each shrine offers unique photo opportunities that showcase its beauty.
お土産（おみやげ）を買（か）う｜Buy Souvenirs
Many shrines have shops where you can buy traditional souvenirs. These items often have cultural significance and make great gifts.
祭り（まつり）やイベント｜Festivals and Events
Shrines often host festivals and events throughout the year. These celebrations are vibrant and full of life. Participating in a festival can be a memorable experience.
鳥居（とりい）をくぐる｜Go through the Torii Gate
神社（じんじゃ）の入（い）り口（ぐち）には、赤（あか）い門（もん）「鳥居（とりい）」があります。A 鳥居（とりい） is a big red gate at the entrance of the shrine. It shows you are about to enter a sacred space.
What to do:
くぐる前（まえ）に、おじぎをします。
Bow once before you pass through.
左（ひだり）か右（みぎ）を歩（ある）きましょう。道（みち）の真（ま）ん中（なか）は神（かみ）さまの通（とお）り道（みち）です。
Walk on the side, not in the center. The center is for the gods.
手水舎（てみずや）で手（て）と口（くち）をあらう｜Clean Your Hands and Mouth at the Purification Fountain
What to do:
鳥居（とりい）の先（さき）に、水（みず）がある場所（ばしょ）「手水舎（てみずや）」があります。ここで手（て）や口（くち）をきれいにします。
After passing through the torii, you will see a water area called "temizuya". This is where you purify your hands and mouth.
How to use the ladle:
右手（みぎて）でひしゃくを持（も）って、左手（ひだりて）に水（みず）をかけます。
Hold the ladle in your right hand and pour water over your left hand.
左手（ひだりて）で持（も）って右手（みぎて）に水（みず）をかけます。
Switch hands and pour water over your right hand.
左手（ひだりて）に水（みず）を入（い）れて、口（くち）をすすぎます。
※ひしゃくに口（くち）をつけないでください。
Pour water into your left hand, then rinse your mouth.
Do not touch the ladle with your mouth.
もう一度（いちど）、左手（ひだりて）をきれいにします。
Rinse your left hand again.
最後（さいご）に、ひしゃくの持（も）ち手（て）を水（みず）で流（なが）します。
Finally, tilt the ladle upright to rinse the handle with the remaining water.
お参（まい）りする｜Make an Offering and Pray
Now you are ready to pray!
これで、おまいりのじゅんびができました。
How to Pray (二礼二拍手一礼 / Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow)
さいせんばこに、こぜになどを入（い）れます。
Put a small coin (such as a 5-yen coin) into the offertory box.
鈴（すず）があれば、ならして神（かみ）さまにごあいさつ。
If there's a bell, ring it to greet the gods.
二回（にかい）おじぎをします。
Bow twice.
二回（にかい）手（て）をたたきます。
Clap your hands twice.
心（こころ）の中（なか）で神様（かみさま）に感謝（かんしゃ）を伝（つた）えます。
Silently express your gratitude to the gods in your heart.
※昔（むかし）は、神様（かみさま）に感謝（かんしゃ）を伝（つた）えることが基本（きほん）でしたが、今（いま）は多（おお）くの日本人（にほんじん）が、感謝（かんしゃ）よりもお願い事（ねがいごと）をするようになっています。
In the past, showing gratitude to the gods was the main purpose of visiting shrines. However, nowadays, many Japanese people tend to make wishes instead of giving thanks.
最後（さいご）に、もう一度（いちど）おじぎをします。
Bow once again at the end.
まとめ｜Summary
神社（じんじゃ）では、ていねいな動作（どうさ）と気持（きも）ちが大切（たいせつ）です。正（ただ）しい作法（さほう）を知（し）っていれば、安心（あんしん）してお参（まい）りができます。
A respectful attitude and a few simple steps will help you enjoy your visit to a Shinto shrine with confidence.
ことばのまとめ｜Useful Words
Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
神社 | じんじゃ (jinja) | shrine |
神様 | かみさま (kamisama) | god |
鳥居 | とりい (torii) | shrine gate |
手水舎 | てみずや (temizuya) | purification fountain |
ひしゃく | ひしゃく (hishaku) | ladle |
お願い事 | おねがいごと (onegaigoto) | wish / prayer |
Enjoy!
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