Shrine Etiquette

: How to Receive a Goshuin in Japan: Order, Etiquette, and Common Mistakes

Receiving a goshuin is a traditional practice in Japan that records your visit to a shrine or temple through calligraphy and a sacred seal. A goshuin is not simply something to collect. It is given after worship and reflects respect for the sacred place you have visited. This guide explains the correct order for receiving a goshuin, proper etiquette to follow, and common mistakes visitors should avoid. What Is a Goshuin? A goshuin is a sacred seal and handwritten inscription offered at Japanese shrines and temples. It serves as a record of worship rather than a souvenir. Because of ...

: What Is Hatsumode? Japan’s First Shrine Visit of the New Year Explained

Hatsumode is the Japanese tradition of making the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year. Rather than a strict religious obligation, hatsumode is a cultural practice centered on gratitude for the past year and quiet reflection on the year ahead. Understanding hatsumode helps explain why prayer, omikuji, and omamori are so closely associated with the New Year in Japan. This article explains what hatsumode is, when it takes place, what people typically do during their visit, and what visitors should expect. What Is Hatsumode? Hatsumode literally means “first visit” and refers to the first visit to a ...

: How to Pray at a Shinto Shrine in Japan: Steps, Etiquette, and Common Mistakes

Praying at a Shinto shrine is a traditional Japanese practice of showing respect and gratitude toward the kami (Shinto deities). Rather than strict religious worship, shrine prayer is a calm ritual rooted in purification, mindfulness, and awareness of sacred space. Understanding this etiquette helps explain why gestures such as bowing, clapping, and cleansing matter—and why items like goshuin and omamori are treated with care. This guide explains the basic steps of praying at a Shinto shrine, common mistakes to avoid, and the cultural meaning behind each gesture. Step 1: Purify Yourself at the Temizuya Before you approach the main ...