すみません、こちらの神社の参拝の仕方を教えていただけますか？ — Excuse me, could you teach me how to worship at this shrine? (Cultural · Religion, Polite to Stranger, JLPT N5)

Gesture & etiquette

Small bow when asking (15 degrees). Listen attentively, mimic their gestures softly to indicate understanding. Avoid pointing at the main hall (honden) — gesture toward it with an open palm if needed. Speak in a quieter voice than usual; shrines are reverent spaces.

Shinto shrine etiquette varies by location, so asking shows respect rather than ignorance. The standard sequence is: bow at the torii gate, purify hands and mouth at the temizuya (water basin), then at the main hall — toss a coin, bow twice, clap twice, pray silently, bow once more. Photographing the main hall interior is typically forbidden; always check signage.