Daily Life Lessons · Temples
When you visit a temple, be able to pray on your own with proper etiquette, from bowing at the main gate to putting your palms together at the main hall.
A temple is a place of Buddhist faith. Whether or not you are a believer, you can visit many temples if you follow the etiquette. Customs differ by Buddhist school and by temple, so follow the signs and instructions.
Usually, you bow lightly in front of the main gate (山門) and then enter the grounds. If there is a water basin (手水舎), purify your hands and mouth. After lighting incense (線香), it is customary to put out the flame by waving your hand, not by blowing on it.
In front of the main hall (本堂), put an offering coin (お賽銭) in the box, quietly put your palms together (合掌) and bow. Unlike at a shrine, you do not clap your hands. You may need to take off your shoes to go into a hall, so clean socks are useful. Photography inside buildings and of Buddhist statues is prohibited at some temples, so check the signs.
お寺（おてら）は 仏教（ぶっきょう）の 場所です。 作法（さほう）を 守れば、だれでも お参りできます。
1. 門（もん）の 前で、軽く おじぎを します。 2. 手水舎（ちょうずや）が あれば、手と 口を 清めます。 3. 線香（せんこう）の 火は、口で ふかないで、手で 消します。 4. お賽銭（さいせん）を 入れて、手を 合わせて おじぎを します。 5. 手を たたきません。
お寺に よって 作法が ちがいます。 建物の 中で くつを ぬぐ ことが あります。
How do you pray in front of the main hall of a temple?
At a temple, you put your palms together (gassho) and bow. You do not clap.
How do you put out the flame of incense?
It is customary to put out the flame by waving your hand, not by blowing on it.
What do people usually do at the entrance gate of a temple?
It is customary to bow lightly in front of the main gate before entering the grounds.
What do you often do when going into a temple hall?
You may take off your shoes to go in. Clean socks are useful.
Can people who are not Buddhist visit a temple?
Whether or not you are a believer, you can visit many temples if you follow the etiquette.
Q. How much should I offer?
A. Usually there is no set amount. Give what you feel is right.
Q. What is a haikanryo (拝観料)?
A. It is a fee to see a temple's buildings or gardens. Some temples charge it and some do not.
Q. Do I need Buddhist prayer beads (数珠, juzu)?
A. Juzu are prayer beads used when praying to the Buddha. Some temples and Buddhist schools recommend carrying them when you visit. Views on what to do if you do not have them differ by temple and school, so if you are concerned, ask the temple.
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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