Visiting Etiquette
With a Grateful Heart and an Honest Spirit
When visiting a shrine, the proper procedure and etiquette must be observed. Beautiful, proper etiquette shows a person’s true spirit. Let’s visit the shrine with a grateful heart and an honest, bright, and pure spirit
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-02.jpg)
Handwashing Etiquette
Before worshipping, we wash our hands. The word for the palm of the hand, “nadakokoro” contains the word “kokoro” which means spirit. Purifying our hands means purifying our spirit. The procedure is not strictly decided. It’s good if you wash your hands with the sacred water and do so with a calm heart. Below is written the usual procedure. Please refer to it.
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-03.jpg)
Hold the ladle with your right hand and fill it water. Wash your left hand.
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-04.jpg)
Switch the ladle to your left hand, and wash your right hand.
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-05.jpg)
Switch the ladle back to your right hand, fill your left hand with water, and rinse your mouth.
*Do not touch the ladle to your mouth.
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-03.jpg)
Wash your left hand again.
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-07.jpg)
Stand the ladle up and let the water run down to clean the handle. Put the ladle back in its original position
Procedure for Worship 2 hai, 2 hakushu, 1 hai
A deep bow is called hai and clapping your hands together is called hakushu. These bows and claps are the procedure from ancient times. Before the gods, make your visit with a grateful heart.
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-08.jpg)
When you come before the gods, straighten your posture and make a slight bow in greeting.
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-09.jpg)
Ring the bell gently.
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-10.jpg)
Bow down to 90 degrees from your waist two times. (2 hai)
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-11.jpg)
Spread your hands to shoulder width and clap two times. (2 hakushu)
![](https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210513_お参りの作法-12.jpg)
Lastly, make one more deep bow. (1 hai)