Japan guide

Shrines & temples

Visiting a temple

Buddhist temples (tera, -ji) feel similar to shrines, but the prayer is different: you put your hands together quietly and you don't clap. Halls are often indoors, so shoes come off.

12 steps · 7 common mistakes· Show in Japanese (1)
Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto: the large wooden temple hall on its stage of pillars, surrounded by red autumn leaves.

Photo: Martin Falbisoner / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Through the temple gate

Step by step

  1. Give a small bow at the main gate (sanmon).

  2. Step over the raised wooden threshold rather than standing on it.

Common mistakes

  • Sitting or standing on the threshold beam to take a photo.

Incense and smoke

A visitor stands by a large incense burner at a temple and wafts the smoke toward themselves with both hands.

Many temples have a large incense burner (jōkōro) in the courtyard. People waft the smoke over themselves — it is said to bring good health, especially to any part that hurts.

Step by step

  1. Buy a bundle of incense at the stall if you'd like to offer some (optional).

  2. Light it from the candle or flame provided.

  3. Put the flame out by waving the sticks, then stand them in the ash.

  4. Use your hands to waft a little smoke toward your head or shoulders.

Common mistakes

  • Blowing out the flame — waving it out is the custom.
  • Leaning into the smoke with a big bag or long hair close to the burner.

Hands together, no clapping

Facing a temple hall, a visitor prays with palms pressed together and head slightly bowed; a small picture beside them shows that clapping is not done.

Step by step

  1. Drop a coin into the offering box gently.

  2. Press your palms together in front of your chest (gasshō).

  3. Pray silently, then give a small bow.

Common mistakes

  • Clapping. It's what you do at a shrine, not a temple.
  • Ringing a bell or gong that isn't meant for visitors — look for a sign first.

Inside the halls

At the step of a temple hall, a visitor takes off their shoes and puts them in a plastic bag before going up in socks.

Many temples charge an entry fee (haikanryō) for gardens and inner halls, paid at a window near the entrance.

Step by step

  1. Take off your shoes where you see a step up or shoe shelves, and carry them in the bag provided if there is one.

  2. Take off hats and sunglasses in the main hall.

  3. Keep your voice low and walk slowly on wooden floors.

Common mistakes

  • Walking onto tatami in shoes or slippers.
  • Taking photos inside where a sign says 撮影禁止 (no photography).

Sources

Sources (checked 2026-11-04). Facts, numbers and prices on this page come from these official pages.

  1. Local governmentEtiquette at shrines and temples (Yamanashi Tourism)(opens in a new tab)Yamanashi Tourism: etiquette at shrines and temples
  2. Local governmentEtiquette when visiting temples (Kizugawa City)(opens in a new tab)Kizugawa City (Kyoto): etiquette when visiting temples
  3. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japanese Customs and Etiquette (Responsible Travel Guide)(opens in a new tab)JNTO: Japanese customs and etiquette for responsible travel
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