MUST WATCH Before Visiting a Shinto Shrine in Japan

One of the things that you would absolutely want to do in Japan, is to visit the beautiful Shinto shrines that have hundreds of years of history, right? However, I’ve received some messages about visiting shrines, that they are a little concerned about the rules there because it is a place related to Japanese religions.

So today, I will explain the 5 taboos related to visiting Shinto shrines in Japan. The taboos will get more and more important, and the most important message will be presented to you at the end, so I hope you can fully enjoy this video.

And before I start, I want to make it very clear that the purpose of this video is to reassure my fellow viewers who are a bit worried about possibly being rude, so that they can fully enjoy their trip in Japan.

It’s really NOT about…“You must always obey our rules! Otherwise I wi…(途中でぶちって切る笑)”
kind of thing. Please understand that many Japanese people make mistakes too, and that each shrine is deeply connected to the local community it belongs to, so detailed rules/manners are not always the same.

*The content is based on personal studies and experience
There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects

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♪Music♪
おとわび

♪Sound effects♪
効果音ラボ

♪Pictures♪
かわいいフリー素材屋 いらすとや

#shrine #shinto #shintoism #shintoshrine

[LetsaskShogo]

▼My New Channel: Let’s ask Seki Sensei | Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu▼
Are you a Japanese budo martial art lover watching this video? I am now running the best channel for you to learn more about samurai, katana, and budo martial arts from a Kobudo master who is running a 400-year-old Ryuha. Our goal is to achieve 100, 000 subscribers by 2023, so please check it out!

▼Interested in learning Iai/Kenjutsu skills online?▼

▼Please support me through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)▼
The management (filming, editing, etc.) of the new Asayama Ichiden Ryu's English Channel "Let's ask Seki Sensei" is completely my voluntary work. If I am not able to pay for the expensive bullet train fare from Kyoto to Ibaraki Prefecture (where the main Dojo is located), and hotel/filming expenses, this activity will cease. Please help us spread and preserve this 400-year-old martial art. In return, I will try my best to create the most educational and exciting content about Japanese Kobudo.

▼Where you can meet me in Kyoto, Japan | Yushinkan Samurai Experience with Modern-day Musashi▼
A 90-minute experience in Japan where beginners can learn how to wield, draw, sheath, and swing the katana from the modern-day Musashi! I, Shogo, will be your interpreter to lead you into the wonderful world of samurai martial arts!

▼The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Iaido, Kendo, etc.): Tozando▼
Everything I use for my katana training is bought at this shop! I still use the first training katana I bought in 2016, and it is still in good shape!

▼The recommended online katana shop for decorations and cosplay: Mini Katana▼
*Get 15% OFF off all their products by purchasing through my affiliate link

▼Let's ask Shogo Merchandise Shop▼
Where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, etc. of cute Ukiyoe animal characters and logos of Let’s ask Shogo:

▼Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?▼

▼MY DREAM▼
“To make every Japan lovers’ dream come true, by making Japan a more secure, comfortable, and safer place for everyone to visit, study, and live in”

▼Join our Membership▼
The ticket to the front row seats to Shogo's rapid adventure to make his dream come true! Through the limited videos and live streams, your ideas and opinions will be adopted for Shogo to make the right decisions for his challenges!

▼Instagram▼
*Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）

[SetAbominae]

Even though I’m very much an atheist, it’s super important to recognise how important religion is for a lot of people, and such to treat places/occasions of worship with proper respect. It’s very little effort on my part, but to someone sincerely engaged in practice at a holy site, it’s the difference between their ability to proceed in an environment conducive to faith, and accidentally insulting something so dear to them.

[Chaoticmass]

I visited several shrines in Japan and took a lot of pictures. I wanted to get a picture of beautiful area of the center inner portion of the shrine directly in the middle in front, but I was admonished for it. I could take picture from the sides, but not while standing right in front. This video helped me understand why my actions would have been considered rude.

[StacieStreams]

My husband and I visited Japan in March! I did so much research on a etiquette in shrines. Seeing Japanese Shinto shrines was a dream and honestly felt the land the shrine stands on is holy.

[ElinaNoodles]

I really liked the analogy of treating the shrines like someone's home. It makes sense to respect the space around you that has a lot of meaning to another.

[LiminallyYours]

The mindset you describe is in itself such a gift of spiritual perspective to the shrine's visitors (and thanks to you, in this moment, to us as well). I think there is such amazing strength to gain in this mindfulness, like in taking responsibility for our own wishes, and trusting that everything for them to come true is already in and around us.
Thank you for sharing with us not only customs but meaning as well! <3

[michaelbates]

9:28 "Having a heart of gratitude is what's most important".

[WiscoMel]

When I visited in March there were still many shrines with signs up asking not to use the water for rinsing your mouth. Some didn’t allow for washing of the hands either. I presume due to Covid, and was actually a little relieved (about the mouth rinsing, I have a phobia of sharing drinks even).

I actually loved knowing about the rituals/rules prior to visiting. It helped me to feel more engaged in the culture and focus on not being a tourist. I think you’re right about it being more for the people - changing the mindset towards being in a place of peace and reflecting on the holy site.

[Its_Dave_Just_Dave]

The bowing at the Torii gate was something new i had not seen or heard of before, thank you for that.

[Octobertheseventh]

As a Muslim with an open mind, I can understand the reverence and even though my faith differs I could still see many similarities and can imagine myself enjoying the experience.

[LemifromJapan]

I visit Shrines a lot myself, and this video summarize the rules (to do, not to do) in such short time! Great job Shogo san, I'll recommend this video to international visitor😊⛩🙏🙏

[daichi]

I needed a video like this. I visited 3 shrines when I was in Japan two years ago. Excited to go back there in September for work.

[mimim.]

Shogo is an excellent teacher. He lays out the lesson clearly, summarizes the most important information to retain, and uses multiple layers of references to help the info stick. Thank you!

[ChaosInsurgency_]

Man i can’t do anything enough to show my appreciation for this man’s content, Shogo, You are my favorite youtuber!!!!

[s.z.x.]

I wish shogo introduced this video before the end of last year, I didn’t have to act so clueless around the shrines and temples 👀. Thanks for the informative video once again, it’s always to learn later than never

[monicab]

Thank you for the details on what not to do at shrines. Also it is totally understandable about your busy life as a parent. I try to watch all the Seki Sensei and Yushin videos/shorts to see my pal Shogo!😊

[pegprather]

I am looking forward to a trip to Japan in 2024, so I am devouring your videos. Thank you for all of the wonderful information!

[DionDetroitLion]

Gratitude and many thanks for making these videos. I will be more prepared on my first visit to Japan.

[TheKitchenNinja]

Thank you for this video! I'm planning to visit Japan next year with my girlfriend and we're both super excited! I lived in Nagoya in the 90s, but I've forgotten so much of what I learned when I was there. Your videos have really helped me to remember so much of what I've forgotten over the years.

[MsLoriat]

I really appreciate the information and advice about Japanese people and culture. I'm fascinated by Japanese culture and history. Have you already made a video about the Ainu people of Japan? If not, would you consider making one? BTW, you have a beautiful family.