Question
I’ll be traveling to Japan for the first time and I’m planning to visit some Shinto shrines. I’ve heard there are certain customs to follow. How do I ask “How do I properly visit a shrine?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
神社（じんじゃ）の参拝（さんぱい）の仕方（しかた）を教（おし）えてください。
Jinja no sanpai no shikata o oshiete kudasai.
Please teach me the proper way to visit a shrine.
Visiting a shrine can be a beautiful and culturally enriching experience. The phrase “jinja no sanpai no shikata o oshiete kudasai” is useful for asking locals for guidance on shrine etiquette and customs.
“Jinja” means “shrine”; “sanpai” refers to the act of visiting and praying at a shrine; “shikata” means “way” or “method”; and “oshiete kudasai” means “please teach me.” Using this phrase will show your respect and willingness to learn about Japanese customs. Enjoy your cultural exploration!
