Temples & Customs

Shrines, temples, shoes, bowing, trash, and everyday etiquette.

Everyday Etiquette in Japan: Shoes, Bowing, Trash, and Queues

The small daily customs that make a big difference: when to take off your shoes, how to bow, why there are no bins, and where to stand.

Temple and Shrine Etiquette in Japan

How to visit Japanese shrines and temples respectfully: the difference between the two, how to purify your hands, how to pray, and what to do with omikuji fortunes.