Shinto Shrine etiquette and a trip to Meiji Jingu (明治神宮 Meiji Imperial Shrine) !

Shrine etiquette is something that is overlooked by many foreigners, so please take some time to familiarise yourself with the ‘rules’ associated with these shrines so you won’t embarrass yourself or risk offending anyone :).

Firstly-

On the approach to a shrine you will see beautiful large wooden gates. These are called ‘tori’ and they are (in Shinto folklore) seen as gateways to the spirit world. When passing through these try to avoid walking through the centre, instead walk closer to the edge of the gate, as the centre area is supposed to be reserved for the spirits themselves.

One of the gigantic wooden torii leadingup to Meiji Shrine

After passing through the torii (there may be more than one) you should be able to see the main shrine entrance itself, and (of more relevance to you polite shrine goers) the spring or cleansing area, located to the left of the main entrance. You should walk up to the water trough, and after scooping some water out of the trough using a bamboo scoop, wash your right hand, then your left hand. After washing your hands you should trickle some of the water into your hand and wash your mouth out, before spitting the water onto the floor somewhere (in as polite a manner as you can manage)

Meiji shrine courtyard, just past the purification area!

Now you are cleansed you can approach the main shrine. To pray in the Shinto style please follow these instructions:

1. approach the offering box

2. Throw a coin into the offering box (My friend suggested 10 yen!)

3. Ring the bell twice to greet the spirit/shrine deity!

4. Bow deeply twice

5. Clap your hands twice, and then with your hands together pray for happiness, goodfortune and express your feelings of gratitude .

6. Bow one more time!

The main shrine area of Meiji Jingu

Then you’re done! You just successfully visited a Shinto shrine! Make sure you remember to buy a lucky charm or omiyage gift for your close family and friends if you feel like it 😉

Hope you all find this blog post useful! Sorry it took so long to write 😛 The next blog post should be up in a day or two about the training techniques for working at an Eikaiwa and how you can better prepare yourself for those things 🙂