Formal — to staff
Temple · Shrine · Etiquette
すみません、お参りの仕方がよく分かりません。正しい作法を教えていただけますか？ — Excuse me, I don't quite understand how to offer a prayer. Could you please tell me the correct procedure? (Temple · Shrine · Etiquette, Formal — to staff, JLPT N3)
You
すみません、お参りの仕方がよく分かりません。正しい作法を教えていただけますか？
すみません、おまいりのしかたがよくわかりません。ただしいさほうをおしえていただけますか？
Excuse me, I don't quite understand how to offer a prayer. Could you please tell me the correct procedure?
Romaji: Sumimasen, omairi no shikata ga yoku wakarimasen. Tadashii sahō o oshiete itadakemasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, kashikomarimashita. Mazu, chōzuya de te to kuchi o kiyomete kara, honden e dōzo.
Reply
はい、かしこまりました。まず、手水舎で手と口を清めてから、本殿へどうぞ。
はい、かしこまりました。まず、ちょうずやでてとくちをきよめてから、ほんでんへどうぞ。
Yes, certainly. First, please cleanse your hands and mouth at the chōzuya (water basin), then proceed to the main hall.
Gesture & etiquette
A polite slight bow.
Do not ask during ceremonies or when people are clearly focused on their own prayers. Be respectful of religious sites and follow any posted rules.