How to behave at shrine - Japanese Traditional Wedding

Japanese traditional wedding party called “Sinzen-shiki” is held at shrine.

Shinto is specific Japanese religion, and Shrine is the facility of Shinto. The Shinto shrine is called Jinjya in Japanese. One of the features of Jinjya is the red gate, or Torii.

If you are interested in Japanese traditional wedding, it is helpful for you to know how to behave at shrine, or Jinjya.

You can prey for gods and your happiness at jinjya. Traditionally, people take steps as follows.

1. Pull and shake the rope at the front of the shrine, which will ring a bell above you to notify the god of your presence.

2. Throw a coin gently into the box that is near the rope at the front of the shrine. This donation is called saisen.

3. Bow deeply twice and then clap your hans two times. Next, shut your eyes, holding your hands together in prayer. (Remember, when visiting a temple, do not clap your hands).

4. Of course, don’t forget to think of what you desire during your prayer.

5.Bow once more to bring the prayer to its end.

*Reference; Yamakuse Yoji & Daniel Warriner. “The History, Religion and Pride of Japan”. 2010