Formal — to staff
Cultural · Religion
二礼二拍手一礼でよろしいですか？ — Is the correct procedure two bows, two claps, then one bow? (Cultural · Religion, Formal — to staff, JLPT N3)
You
二礼二拍手一礼でよろしいですか？
にれいにはくしゅいちれいでよろしいですか？
Is the correct procedure two bows, two claps, then one bow?
Romaji: Nirei nihakushu ichirei de yoroshii desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, kihon wa sore de atte imasu. Yukkuri kokoro wo komete douzo.
Reply
はい、基本はそれで合っています。ゆっくり心を込めてどうぞ。
はい、きほんはそれであっています。ゆっくりこころをこめてどうぞ。
Yes, that's the basic form. Please take your time and do it with sincerity.
Gesture & etiquette
Approach the main hall and toss a coin into the offering box (賽銭箱). Then bow twice at 90 degrees, clap twice with hands at chest height, pause for a silent prayer, then bow once more. Move calmly and quietly — this is a sacred space.
Shinto shrine (神社) worship uses 二礼二拍手一礼; Buddhist temple (お寺) etiquette does NOT involve clapping — press palms together in 合掌 (gasshou) instead. Mixing the two is a very common mistake among visitors. Always check which type of site you are at.