Polite to Stranger
Cultural · Religion
お賽銭はいくらぐらい入れたらいいですか？ — About how much should I put in the offering box? (Cultural · Religion, Polite to Stranger, JLPT N5)
You
お賽銭はいくらぐらい入れたらいいですか？
おさいせんはいくらぐらいいれたらいいですか？
About how much should I put in the offering box?
Romaji: Osaisen wa ikura gurai iretara ii desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Tokuni kimari wa arimasen yo. Kokoro ga komotte ireba.
Reply
特に決まりはありませんよ。心がこもっていれば。
とくにきまりはありませんよ。こころがこもっていれば。
There's no set rule. As long as it comes from the heart.
Gesture & etiquette
Quiet, respectful voice — shrines are sacred spaces. Small head nod when asking. After receiving guidance, follow the steps slowly: coin in box, bell (if present), two bows, two claps, silent prayer, one bow. Move aside afterward for the next visitor.
Saisen (offerings at shrines and temples) have no fixed amount, but five-yen coins (go-en) are popular because 'goen' homophones with 'good fortune/connection.' Some avoid ten-yen coins (toen) because 'tooi en' means 'distant connection.' What matters most is intention, not amount. Toss the coin gently into the box (do not throw with force), ring the bell, then bow twice, clap twice, pray, and bow once more.