Rules for Etiquette
Shrine

There may be much you do not know about the etiquette for visiting a shrine.Here, we will explain two key rules.\n\n1) The two-bow, two-clap, one-bow method\n1. Stand before the hall of worship, bow slightly, and ring the bell.\n2. Throw a coin into the offertory box.\n3. Lower your head twice in a bow\n4. Hold your hands at chest height, lower your right hand slightly below the left, and clap twice.Then, align your fingers exactly, and say or think your prayer before lowering your hands.\n5. Finally, bow once to finish.\n* The two-bow, two-clap, one-bow method is standard for shrine visits, but there are some shrines with their own unique method.\n\n2) How to wash hands at a shrine\n1. Hold the ladle in your right hand and wash your left hand with it.\n2. Next, switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand with it.\n3. Next, return the ladle to your right hand, cup your left hand to fill it with water and then wash out your mouth, and then wash your left hand.\n4. Finally, stand the ladle up and rinse the handle with water.

When visiting a shrine, it is customary for prayers to the gods to be pledges, not requests.\nWe may wish to make personal requests, such as "I wish for my work to go well," "I wish to be healthy," "I wish for good fortune with money," or "I wish to get married." However, instead of this, you should express your thanks for your current health.Do the following in this order to greet the gods.\n\n- Your name and address\n- Your thanks to the gods\n- Pray for the gods' continuing good fortune.\n- Express your "pledge"(In principle, you should not make selfish requests)