Casual — to friend
Cultural · Religion
お賽銭はいくら入れればいいですか？特に決まりはありますか？ — How much should I put in the offering box? Is there any particular rule about the amount? (Cultural · Religion, Casual — to friend, JLPT N4)
You
お賽銭はいくら入れればいいですか？特に決まりはありますか？
おさいせんはいくらいれればいいですか？とくにきまりはありますか？
How much should I put in the offering box? Is there any particular rule about the amount?
Romaji: Osaisen wa ikura irereba ii desu ka? Toku ni kimari wa arimasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Toku ni kimari wa nai kedo, goen ga en ga aru to iwarete iru n desu yo.
Reply
特に決まりはないけど、5円がご縁があると言われているんですよ。
とくにきまりはないけど、5えんがごえんがあるといわれているんですよ。
There's no strict rule, but 5 yen is said to bring good connection (goen) — it's a popular offering for that reason.
Gesture & etiquette
Hold the coin in both hands or a cupped palm; toss (don't throw) it gently into the offering box; after the coin, bow twice, clap twice, and bow once more ('nirei nihakushu ichirei') at the main hall; perform this quietly and respectfully.
The Japanese word for 5 yen (ご縁, goen) also means 'good connection / fate' — making it a popular offering coin as a pun-based wish for good fortune; 5 yen or 50 yen coins (both with holes) are especially favored; avoid 500 yen (too large) or 10 yen (said to 'go far away').