Daily Life Lessons · Shrines
When taking photos or videos at a shrine, be able to check the signs and instructions and judge for yourself whether photography is allowed in that place and situation.
A shrine is a place of prayer. Many shrines allow souvenir photos in the grounds, but the rules differ from shrine to shrine. First check the signs at the entrance and at the shrine buildings, and follow the instructions of shrine priests (神職) and other staff.
Some shrines prohibit photography inside buildings such as the main hall (本殿) and the worship hall (拝殿), and photography (including audio recording) during prayer rituals (ご祈祷), weddings and other ceremonies. Even when the people receiving a ritual and their families are allowed to take photos, follow the shrine's instructions. Do not photograph shrine priests, shrine maidens (巫女) or other visitors without permission, and when posting on social media, check that no one's face is shown.
Some shrines do not allow blocking the approach path (参道) for long photo sessions, or using tripods and large equipment. Flying a drone requires the shrine's permission, and legal procedures may also be required. Photography for work or sales may require an application in advance.
神社（じんじゃ）は いのる 場所です。 写真の ルールは 神社に よって ちがいます。
1. 入口の 掲示（けいじ）を 見ます。 2. 建物（たてもの）の 中や、お祈り・お祭り・結婚式の ときは 撮っては いけない 神社が あります。 3. 神社の 人や ほかの 人を、だまって 撮りません。 4. 道を ふさいで、長く 撮りません。 5. ドローンは、神社の 許可（きょか）なしに 飛ばしません。
わからない ときは、神社の 人に 聞きましょう。
What should you do first before taking photos at a shrine?
Photography rules differ from shrine to shrine, so first check the signs and the instructions of the staff.
In which situation do some shrines prohibit photography?
Some shrines prohibit photography and recording during prayer rituals, weddings and other ceremonies, and inside the shrine buildings.
What if you want to take a photo of a shrine maiden?
Do not photograph shrine priests, shrine maidens or other visitors without permission.
What if you want to fly a drone in the shrine grounds?
Some shrines prohibit drone photography without permission. Depending on the place and how you fly it, procedures under the Civil Aeronautics Act or other laws may also be required.
What should you be careful about when taking photos on the approach path?
Some shrines do not allow photography that blocks the approach path or takes up space for a long time.
Q. Is it OK to take photos of the shrine grounds with my smartphone?
A. Many shrines allow photos of the scenery and souvenir photos in the grounds, but photography is prohibited in some places, so check the signs.
Q. Can I take photos in a kimono or cosplay?
A. Rules differ by shrine. Some shrines do not allow photos in costumes of shrine priests, shrine maidens and so on, or photos in wedding attire by people who are not holding their wedding at that shrine. Check with the shrine in advance.
Q. Can I post my photos on social media?
A. Check that other visitors' faces are not in the photos. If you use them for work or advertising, you may need to apply to the shrine.
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Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original