Question
I am traveling to Japan for the first time and will be visiting various temples and shrines. I’ve heard it’s customary to say a few words when throwing a coin at a donation box. How do I say “Please grant our wishes” in Japanese when making a wish at a shrine?
Japango Editor Team
お願いします！（ねがいします！）
Onegaishimasu!
Please grant our wishes!
When visiting a temple or shrine in Japan, it’s common to offer a coin and make a small wish. The phrase “Onegaishimasu” can be used as a simple and polite request for your wish to be granted. It’s a versatile phrase meaning “please” that you can use in various situations beyond a temple visit as well.
After bowing, toss your coin into the offering box and clap your hands. As you do this, you can think of your wish and speak “onegaishimasu” softly. This practice not only shows respect but symbolizes your prayer or request being sent to the deities.
Remember, the key is sincerity, so even if your Japanese isn’t perfect, your heartfelt intention matters most!
