- 2022.07.07
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Tips for praying correctly at temples
Whether you are thinking about embarking on the entire 1200 kilometers of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, a short section or just one of the temples, here is a guide on how to correctly pay your respects
It’s okay if you don’t remember every step. As long as you remain respectful, fellow pilgrims and temple staff will be very understanding
1. At the main gate, stand to the left, place your palms together and bow before you enter the temple grounds
2. Wash (purify) your hands and mouth at the water basin usually located near the gate
3. Only on the way in, strike the temple bell once
4. Walk to the main hall where the temple’s principal figure is enshrined
- Light a candle and incense. Place an osamefuda (name slip) in the designated box
- Make a donation of 5 or 10 yen. Place your hands together and bow 3 times
- Recite a sutra if you can, but if not, say a short prayer. Place your hands together and bow one more time
5. Repeat (4) at the hall dedicated to Kukai (one of Japan’s most influential Buddhist monks and initiator of the pilgrimage)
6. Visit the temple office to receive the official seal in your nokyocho booklet
7. When you return to the main gate as you leave, turn back around in the direction of the main hall and bow
Have you ever prayed at a Japanese temple? How was your experience?
Check out this video that demonstrates how to pray correctly at temples: https://youtu.be/-0TwAmEGMVM
Read more about the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/henro
It’s okay if you don’t remember every step. As long as you remain respectful, fellow pilgrims and temple staff will be very understanding
1. At the main gate, stand to the left, place your palms together and bow before you enter the temple grounds
2. Wash (purify) your hands and mouth at the water basin usually located near the gate
3. Only on the way in, strike the temple bell once
4. Walk to the main hall where the temple’s principal figure is enshrined
- Light a candle and incense. Place an osamefuda (name slip) in the designated box
- Make a donation of 5 or 10 yen. Place your hands together and bow 3 times
- Recite a sutra if you can, but if not, say a short prayer. Place your hands together and bow one more time
5. Repeat (4) at the hall dedicated to Kukai (one of Japan’s most influential Buddhist monks and initiator of the pilgrimage)
6. Visit the temple office to receive the official seal in your nokyocho booklet
7. When you return to the main gate as you leave, turn back around in the direction of the main hall and bow
Have you ever prayed at a Japanese temple? How was your experience?
Check out this video that demonstrates how to pray correctly at temples: https://youtu.be/-0TwAmEGMVM
Read more about the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/henro
