Japan is home to two major religious traditions: Shinto and Buddhism. Shrines are based on Shinto, while temples are based on Buddhism. Over centuries, both traditions developed uniquely in Japan, blending with folk beliefs and local spiritual customs.
Although there were historical attempts to strictly separate Shinto and Buddhism, they were never fully successful. Even today, some religious sites contain elements of both traditions.
In this article, we’ll focus on Japanese shrines — their role in daily life, when people visit them, and how travelers can experience them respectfully.
When Do Japanese People Visit Shrines?
Shinto and Buddhism are deeply connected to Japanese culture and customs. However, most people don’t visit shrines daily. Instead, shrine visits usually happen during important life moments or seasonal events.
New Year Visit (Hatsumode – January)
Hatsumode is the first shrine visit of the New Year.
Many people visit shrines late on December 31 or on January 1. Most complete their visit between January 1 and January 3, praying for a healthy and successful year ahead.
Examination Season (January–February)
Students in Japan often take entrance exams for competitive schools and universities. During this time, many students and families visit shrines to pray for success.
Of course, studying is essential — but praying is seen as extra good luck and emotional support.
Life Events and Personal Wishes (Anytime)
People visit shrines throughout the year for personal prayers, such as:
- Safe childbirth
- Protection from bad luck
- Business success
- Health and recovery
Important family shrine visits include:
- Omiyamairi — first shrine visit about one month after a baby is born
- Shichi-Go-San — celebration for children aged 3, 5, and 7
How to Visit a Shrine (Basic Etiquette)
1️⃣ Purification (Temizu)
Before praying, visitors purify their hands and mouth using water at the purification fountain.
2️⃣ Prayer
Typical steps:
- Bow twice
- Clap twice
- Pray silently
- Bow once more
Things to Do at Japanese Shrines
Omikuji (Fortune Slips)
Omikuji are fortune papers that predict your luck. Many people read them casually for fun, but the advice written inside is considered more important than the luck ranking.
You can:
- Keep it
- Tie it to a designated place at the shrine
Some omikuji include poems or traditional wisdom.
Omamori (Good Luck Charms)
Omamori are protective charms sold at shrines. Each charm represents a specific wish, such as:
- Safety
- Health
- Success
- Love
They are usually replaced yearly. Old omamori should be returned to the shrine, where they are respectfully burned in a ritual called otakiage.
Many travelers like to keep omamori as meaningful souvenirs.
Ema (Wish Plaques)
Ema are wooden boards where visitors write wishes and hang them at the shrine. If your wish comes true, it is customary to revisit the shrine to give thanks.
Goshuin (Shrine Stamps)
Collecting goshuin has become very popular in recent years.
They are special calligraphy stamps given at shrines as proof of your visit. Visitors bring a goshuin book and pay a small fee. Many shrines now offer beautifully designed stamps and books.
Unique Shrines in Japan
Some shrines specialize in very specific wishes.
✈️ Hiko Shrine, Kyoto
Known for prayers for aviation safety. Airline workers, defense personnel, and even space industry workers visit to pray for safety in the sky.
🦵 Go’o Shrine, Kyoto
Famous for leg and foot health. Popular with athletes, elderly visitors, and people recovering from injuries.
💔➡️❤️ Yasuikotohira Shrine, Kyoto
Known for breaking bad relationships and forming good ones — not only romantic, but also bad habits or toxic environments.
☀️ Kisho Shrine, Tokyo
Dedicated to the weather deity. Many people visit before important outdoor events like weddings or sports competitions.
Shrines: A Cultural Experience, Not Just Religion
For many Japanese people, shrines are less about strict religious practice and more about tradition, culture, and life milestones.
When visiting Japan, don’t hesitate to explore different shrines. Each one reflects local history, community beliefs, and centuries of tradition.