Universal
Cultural · Religion
You
ここは一礼してから入るのですか？
ここはいちれいしてからはいるのですか？
Should I bow before passing through the gate here?
Romaji: Koko wa ichirēshite kara hairu no desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Sō desu yo. Ichirēshite kara, hashi wo aruite kudasai.
Reply
そうですよ。一礼してから、端を歩いてください。
そうですよ。いちれいしてから、はしをあるいてください。
Yes. Bow briefly, then walk along the sides, not the center.
Gesture & etiquette
Pause naturally at the torii; bow briefly with head down for a moment of acknowledgment; step to the left or right side of the path before entering; move quietly and respectfully through the shrine grounds.
The torii (鳥居) marks the boundary between the everyday world and sacred space. A brief bow (15–30 degrees) before passing through shows respect for the deity's domain. Walk along the sides of the sandō (central path), not the center — that is considered the deity's path. Bow again as you exit through the torii.