Decoding the Hand-Clapping Custom at Torii Gates & 5 Practical Fun Facts About Shinto Shrines

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

Japan is home to a wide variety of distinctive shrines, which have always been one of the important sites visited and worshipped by travelers. Many also collect amulets, ema prayer plaques, and shuin (sacred seals) from shrines, adding unique wishes to their travel souvenirs. Below are five practical fun facts about Japanese shrines. Travelers might want to remember these, so that the next time you visit a temple, you can not only learn about the culture and knowledge, but also add more enjoyment to your shrine visit.

1. Why Are There Torii Gates? And Why Clap Your Hands?

The origins of the torii gate are varied and debated, with theories suggesting it comes fromChina’s memorial archways, Korea’s Hongsalmun gates, or India’s torana.The area inside the torii gate is considered a divine realm separated from the secular world, so bowing before passing through the torii to enter the shrine is an important etiquette. In addition, the sando (shrine path) is the path walked by the deities, and blocking the center of the path is considered disrespectful—so try to walk along the sides when passing through the torii. As for the hand-clapping method of worshipping at a shrine, it originates from the way ancient Japanese people used to call upon the gods by making noise. The common practice is “two bows, two claps, one bow,” meaning you bow twice, then clap twice, and finally bow once more.

2. Shrine names hold hidden meanings
 
Japan has many large and small shrines, and different shrines have different names, such as XX Shrine, XX Grand Shrine, etc. Different shrines enshrine specific deities known for particular merits or sacred objects representing them, so it’s a good idea to learn which deity a shrine is dedicated to before making a wish.
 
XX Shrine (XX Miya): Dedicated to great historical figures or mythological deities.
XX Grand Shrine (XX Taisha): Has many branch shrines, but only the main one can be called a taisha (grand shrine).
Yasaka Shrine (Hachiman-gu): Dedicated to the god of war in ancient Japan, revered as a guardian deity of the nation.
Inari Shrine: Worships the Inari deity, for prayers related to bountiful harvests, business prosperity, and traffic safety.
Tenmangu Shrine: A shrine dedicated to the deity of scholarship in Japan.

3. Which Shrines Are Known for Special Wishes?
 
Since the deities enshrined vary from shrine to shrine, different shrines also offer different types of wishes. The most commonly visited ones are for love or business prosperity, but there are also shrines known for quite unique wish effects. For example, the Hair God Shrine for hair-related wishes, the Weather God Shrine believed to be lucky for lottery wins, and the Takarado Shrine, among others—all are wish-granting shrines, but with very different focuses.

4. Why Are There Gravel Stones on Shrine Paths?
 
Shrine paths are often covered with special gravel stones called tama-shagari. These stones represent beauty akin to souls and the preciousness of gems. Since the path walked by the deities must be clean and pure, using tama-shagari helps to dispel impurities and evil spirits. The gravel also serves a practical function by preventing puddles and weed growth, helping to keep the path clean.