
An introduction about manners you should know when doing things such as going to worship at a shrine and taking a hot spring bath.
Be careful as many places prohibit photography.
Shrines, temples, museums and art galleries often prohibit photography, so be careful. Bear in mind that some restaurants and shops prohibit photography as well.
How to worship at a shrine
This is an introduction on how to worship at a shrine. Before worshipping, first of all, wash your hands and rinse your mouth with water at a chozusha (water basin) to purify yourself. Use the wooden dipper, if any, to pour water. Later when you proceed to the front of the worship hall, there is an offertory box, so throw in your coin and ring the bell a couple of times. Even 5 JPY or 10 JPY should be fine. After you ring the bell, bow deeply twice and clap your hands twice. Say your prayer to the Shinto God, bow deeply once and that's it. This sequence of actions is called "nirei nihakushu ichirei", literally "two bows, two claps, one bow".
Things to note when watching a traditional performing art
Refrain from speaking and turn off your cell phone when you enjoy a traditional performing art such as Kabuki. Most venues prohibit recording and filming.
When it is crowded at restaurants and other places

Wait in a queue when the restaurants are busy. There are places where customers write their name down and are then called in based on order of arrival, so check if there's any paper to write your name at the entrance.
Things to remember when visiting a hot spring

When you take a hot spring bath, before entering the bathtub, make sure to do kakeyu (rinsing your body off with hot water). This is to clean off any sweat and dirt so that the hot spring remains clean, and also to help your body will get used to the temperature of the hot water. Make sure to not be too loud, don't swim in the bathtub and don't put your towel inside the bathtub. Also put your bucket or chair back where you got it from, and be considerate to the people around.
In Conclusion

Enjoy sightseeing in the right manners so that it won't be bothersome to other people.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Popular Tours & Activitiess
Recommended places for you
-
Kambei Sannomiyahonten
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Kanzenkoshitsuyakinikutabehodai Gyugyu Paradise Sannomiya
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Shizuoka Road Trip: Explore the Home of Mt. Fuji with a 3-Day Rental Car Itinerary
-
Best Things to Do and See Around Tokyo in September: Events and Festivals in Kanto
-
Ueno Electronics Shopping Guide: Where to Buy Popular Gadgets – Top 6 Stores Near the Station with Tax-Free Deals
by: Ran Tanaka
-
'Unbelievable...!' 4 Weird Things About Japanese Bath Culture That Shocked Foreign Visitors!
-
Where to Buy Electronics in Ikebukuro: 6 Tax-Free Shops for Tourists in Tokyo
by: Ran Tanaka
-
Ad
A Tokyo Souvenir with Soul: The Handcrafted Leather of Bunkoya Oozeki
-
6 Most Scenic Spots Around Mount Yotei, Hokkaido: Gorgeous Sunflowers & More!
-
38 Best Things to Do in Sendai & Miyagi: Sightseeing, Food, Shopping & Souvenirs
by: Guest Contributor
-
How Not to be an (Unintended) Jerk in Japan: Top 5 Manners Tourists Always Forget to Follow
-
12 Unique & Fun Tokyo Food Tours to Enjoy in 2025
by: Hiroko Ariga
-
Tantalizing Foods From Japan’s Enchanting North!
by: Steve Csorgo
-
Ad
Experience the Best of Shiga Prefecture at COCOSHIGA! From Japan's Largest Lake Biwa to Tasty Omi Beef
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks