Do you pray the same way at shrines and temples?
In short
Good to knowNo. At shrines the basic form is two bows, two claps and one bow; at temples you put your hands together quietly without clapping.
When does this apply?
Shrines are Shinto and temples are Buddhist. Shrines usually have a torii gate, while temples often have a large sanmon gate. At a shrine, the basic form is to bow deeply twice, clap twice, pray, then bow once more.
Why?
Shinto and Buddhism have different ways of praying. The clap (kashiwade) at a shrine is described as a sign of respect to the deity, while at temples people pray with palms pressed together (gassho).
What to do
- At shrines: two bows, two claps, one bow
- At temples: put your palms together quietly without clapping
- If unsure, follow the people around you or the signboards
Better to avoid
- Clap loudly at a temple
- Cut into the line of worshippers
Exceptions and differences
Some shrines have their own way of worshipping (for example, clapping four times), and their own form should then be followed. For visitors, quietly showing respect matters more than perfect technique.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
When praying at a Buddhist temple, what do you do with your hands?
Choose an answer
Sources
- Shrine and Temple Traditions(opens in a new tab)
- 参拝方法 (How to worship at a shrine)(opens in a new tab)
Last checked:
This text was written with AI assistance and has not yet been proofread by a person.