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Cultural · Religion
You
二礼二拍手一礼でお参りするといいですよ。
にれいにはくしゅいちれいでおまいりするといいですよ。
For shrine prayer, it's good to bow twice, clap twice, then bow once more.
Romaji: Ni-rei ni-hakushu ichi-rei de o-mairi suru to ii desu yo. / Reply Romaji: Arigatou gozaimasu. Yatte mimasu.
Reply
ありがとうございます。やってみます。
ありがとうございます。やってみます。
Thank you, I'll give it a try.
Gesture & etiquette
Demonstrate the sequence as you explain if possible — mime a deep bow, then two claps at chest height, then another bow. Keep movements slow and respectful given the sacred setting.
This is the standard Shinto prayer sequence at most shrines (jinja). First toss a coin into the offertory box, ring the bell if present, then bow twice deeply, clap twice, make your wish silently, and bow once more. Buddhist temples (otera) follow a different sequence — no clapping.