MUST WATCH Before Visiting a Shinto Shrine in Japan

[@LetsaskShogo]

▼My New Channel: Let’s ask Seki Sensei | Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu▼ www.youtube.com/@letsasksekisensei 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?▼ patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei?Link& Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history, with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime. (Learn more about the online lessons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO7op2Ol8eepK8) ▼Please support me through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)▼ ko-fi.com/letsaskshogo 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! Make your reservation here: www.airbnb.com/experiences/4577764?locale=en A video of me visiting this experience: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6KldHR5aZetd68 ▼The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Iaido, Kendo, etc.): Tozando▼ tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo 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▼ minikatana.com/SHOGO *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: suzuri.jp/lets_ask_shogo ▼Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?▼ kzbin.infokZbyd0OfdC4 ▼MY DREAM▼ kzbin.infoWFF3AhN0LXE “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▼ kzbin.info/door/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVwjoin 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▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）

[@MGesierich]

Thank you for the video. There was a lot of information, that I didn't know before. Thank you for allways giving us so useful tipps.

[@konnichiwa8762]

Konnichiwa, Shogo-san. I hope my request is not too much but can you make video about Battle of Sekigahara? It's often being mentioned in Japanese drama and anime. From what I researched, it was the largest battle of Japanese feudal history at the end of the Sengoku (“Warring States”) period.

[@craftpaint1644]

I've been told not to ring the public shrine bell. They said it was for police and other government officials only.

[@Set666Abominae]

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.

[@LiminallyYours]

This is so true, and it's also where humility comes in. The whole situation doesn't only ask us to make room for the signification behind the beauty of what we visit, but also to appreciate it ourselves. To some it might be faith, but even just as philosophy it seems to me like something truly precious that anyone might benefit from considering with respect.

[@ChocoParfaitFra]

Most Japanese are atheist too so they don’t really care if you don’t wash your hands before entering

[@WiscoMel]

Atheist here, and although I don’t agree with most religions I have respect for those that do. Everyone believes Or doesn’t believe for specific reasons and it’s not my place to say who is right or not. When in Japan this year I happened upon so many unexpected little shrines and took time to visit and enjoy each one. Paying them all the same amount of respect as best as I could. I almost always gave offering and bowed my head in a moment of silence - whether just to say thank you or reflect upon my day. I took photos of the signs so that I could read translations. I’m sure I broke some rules, wearing shorts for instance, but I did my best to remember the proper etiquette. They were all so beautiful, many of them peaceful and quiet, and turned out to be one of my favorite parts of visiting Japan.

[@munchcat]

I absolutely love your attitude in this! I fully agree, no matter the religion, and truly wish more had this perspective.

[@user-fg6ro]

Nitai Gauranga!

[@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.

[@dargahhiratvvlog]

❤❤

[@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!

[@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.

[@michaelbates1640]

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

[@IMAHMS]

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.

[@commentateur6114]

Enjoying the experience of disbelief and apostasy ? You are muslim by cultur, not by belief nor by practice.

[@wise6469]

Hahaha

[@naaidaa.s]

​​@@commentateur6114enjoying by respecting the building and traditions. Of course we don't believe in these so called gods but we can respect it and see it as a part of different culture.

[@DukeOfDendro]

My dad’s Muslim and he seems pleased that the handwashing’s similar to Wudu

[@IMAHMS]

@@DukeOfDendro get into Islam and win, we were not created for the pleasures of this earth

[@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.

[@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😊⛩🙏🙏

[@mimim.2175]

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!

[@ZekeLeviJr]

Amazing that there are more shrines than convenience stores. Makes me wonder how many Buddhist temples there are. Please, no need to apologize for making fewer videos, your beautiful family comes first. どうもありがとうございます

[@dargahhiratvvlog]

❤

[@8daichi]

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.

[@dargahhiratvvlog]

❤❤

[@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.

[@ChaosInsurgency_]

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

[@DionDetroitLion]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@shinodex]

6. Don't visit them just to play Pokemon Go I'm feeling very embarrassed because I've done all of them. But I've never seen anyone bowing at the front gate, and most people don't use the chouzuya, and it's pretty rare to see someone ringing the bells. At least these are my experiences living in Japan for 6 years.

[@rimuruslime23]

Your comment got cut out... I would like to see the rest

[@monicab204]

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!😊

[@pegprather84]

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!

[@autoguygl]

I'm glad you covered this subject. This information is very informative and relevant. Thank-you.

[@s.z.x.01]

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

[@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.

[@Roseecactuar]

Thank you Shogo for this wonderful video! Don't worry about not making as many videos as before, it's important to give little Zen all the attention and love he deserves!

[@teresakusic8308]

I was just thinking about this yesterday and saw you had this video and I feel much comfortable once I finally get over to Japan to visit and visit the shrines. I was one of the ones worrying I'd be rude so this put me at ease. Thank you!

[@kadda1212]

I think I would not take photos if there are many people around. I always find it odd when tourists enter churches in Germany and start taking pictures which is technically also a bit of a taboo. Sometimes I think you should just take it in like that and remember it.

[@modestlyneutral]

Wow, thank you so much for posting this. I’m currently visiting Japan from New Zealand and I wish I had of seen this video before visiting our first few shrines. Very informative - I appreciate the time you took to make it 😊

[@thundernugs963]

I just found this channel and I've never hit subscribe so fast. I went to Japan for the first time and absolutely fell in love with the culture. I can't wait to go back

[@theofficerfactory2625]

I think the last taboo comes from mostly manga and anime media. It makes sense as it's quite selfish to ask the gods and goddesses of something that you can do yourself.

[@PikachuYoshiPines164]

I’m part Japanese, but never have gotten to go to Japan myself. I’ve been very interested in learning about my heritage, and I wish I asked my great grandmother more about what Japan was like. I’m hoping to visit there someday and I want to learn as much as I can about the culture, history and religion. This video was very informative!

[@ei7YK]

Great video Shogo, I always learn many valuable things from your channel. I love your style and clean technique of teaching. Thank you!

[@lunahellscape6532]

I believe all gods/goddesses and really enjoy learning about them. I would love for you to do a video about the different gods and goddesses in Japan. Of course, this is just a request but I would really enjoy a video about Japanese gods and goddesses from someone native to Japan. Foreigners might not always get everything right ya know

[@TheCCBoi]

It would be interesting to see an interview with a shrine maiden.

[@richt63]

Fantastic to see you posting again. I follow asked seki sensei as well. And I enjoy that immensely. But I love your videos again. Especially about Shinto Shrines. Thank you for this video.

[@Meanness_Scar]

I'm sorry for causing troubles. I had read that one of places connected to Shinsengumi is Mibudera and that dera is kind of a temple/shrine. I admire Shinsengumi so if I would ever go to Japan I want to check all places connected with them. But I'm also a bit scared of religious places (it's really hard to avoid churches in my country tho as they are everywhere, there are few next to my house even^-^"). So I don't really know what to do. I don't want to invade space for praying if I'm not part of the religion. I just don't want to hurt anyone. Also it feels like betraying myself if I would try to pray and it would be not kind to only pretend. Also I have troubles with both moving and breathing and you mentioned that sometimes the road to shrines is difficult. I haven't seen the Mibudera yet so I don't know if I would be able to go there, I also don't know when I would be able to go to Japan and what state my health would be in. But just in case, what to do if someone is unable to get inside because of long road/steps? If there are steps then it's surely beyong my reach and it would be even worse for people more disabled than me. Is there any way to get to the shrine even if the body is not cooperating? I don't know if someone like me should even try to enter Mibudera as I don't know if someone like me should be allowed to admire Shinsengumi and there's also problem of entering a place important for many people and sacred in some way. Plus I may just not be able to physically enter the place. I'm sorry for causing troubles. Thank you for always teaching us a lot.

[@LuigiTheMetal64]

I know the sakaki are sacred in the Shinto shrine. You may remember the Kanto- Pokémon Gym Leader Giovanni. His Japanese name is Sakaki. The Gym Leaders and the Heavenly Kings are named after plants.

[@SilverScale.]

Thank you, Shogo! Always informative and fun to learn. 😊 I was especially wondering how to pray at shrines and you answered this! Thank you!

[@IngridFR94]

Thank you for the video! I learned a lot!

[@matthewgrove-jones3001]

Domo arigato gosimos! Shinto makes more sense to me! Very informative

[@AineEithne]

I'm so grateful 🙏 that you let us know how to not offend the gods (or the Japanese people) at shrines. Great video - thank you!

[@awsomelyrandomstuff916]

I'm about to visit Japan so this video was really helpful in what to do and what not to do, can't wait to visit my first shrine

[@robynfuller3988]

I didn't know several of these thing- like walking on the side of the road and the correct way to wash. I last went to Japan before Covid, but the next time i go, i'll remember these. Thank you!

[@Nico745]

Step 1: Watch how Japanese acts in shrines Step 2 : Take enough samples of said behaviours Step 3 : Follow.

[@lisaray9404]

Thank you, and your family, so much for this educational video, and for all the information contained therein. I enjoyed it very much, as I do all of your fine videos. You do a fantastic job of researching everything you share with us; AND you are a true teacher, with a great heart for enlightening others. Again, thank you so much. Also, no worries about not having as many videos made as before. You never have to apologize for looking after your family and yourself, and keeping your scheduled balanced. We all go through different seasons in our lives and should accept those changes. Sometimes, it is not what we want, but it is what is best. Thank you again. Take care and be safe. 😊💖🙏

[@eromicafrancisco5477]

This is so beautiful I would feel so blessed if I was able to visit one of these shrines.

[@rainecolubio]

Thank you, Shogo! I plan to visit a few shrines when I go to Japan. I really took notes this time!

[@ghosttimm420]

I've always been extremely interested in Japanese history and culture, especially between the early Edo to Meiji periods. But ever since I started watching your channel, you have motivated me to actually purchase my own real Iaito to start training at home. One day I hope to visit Kyoto and get legitimate training in Iaido! Thankyou Shogo 😁

[@josephlucas4024]

As someone who plays a lot of Persona 3, 4, and 5, this really helps give context to what you do when you pray at the shrines and wish for better relationships.

[@JAB6322]

Love the new intro Shogo!

[@orangeturbandrummer1]

Great video! I am planning to visit Japan next year so very valuable information and great video as usual! Thank you 🙏

[@fridge713]

Ive watched this video about 60000 times already and ive got to say, this is a classic

[@koolaidsan1916]

It’s a 12 minute video that’s been out for 4 Youre GLAZING

[@joeschmoe6392]

Best wishes, Shogo-sama. Thank you for the content you provide, regardless of frequency. May all the gods bless you and keep you and yours. Arigato gozaimasu! 🙇‍♂

[@GaijinGoombah]

I just got back from Yanagimori shrine yesterday and there was no ladle or a running water source! Just the fresh standing water. I really wasn't sure what to do. I didn't just want to dunk my hands in the fresh water reservoir.

[@AnoNYmous-bz2ef]

It's funny that, as a foreigner, I'd respect Japanese cultures and traditions even though(or maybe even because) they're not strictly enforced in an in-your-face fashion. But when in Italy, I like to break every single tradition just to spite because of how much of a stickler they are to rules.

[@jackiewepps4694]

My very first shrine visit in Japan was when I went to Meiji Jinguu in Tokyo. It was January, so I wasn't wearing anything on the list of fashions that I shouldn't (I'm tall, so I never wear high heels either). But one thing I remember very clearly is that I walked through the torii right in the middle. I didn't wash either, because I didn't know I was supposed to do that. I had no idea what I was doing at all, and since I had a really bad feeling that I had already made a billion mistakes without knowing it, I turned around and left as quickly as I could. I didn't manage to do it properly until I visited Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto a few weeks later, when I had someone explain what I was supposed to do (and not supposed to do). I constantly have trouble remembering in what order to do the clapping and bowing at shrines, even if I have been told many times. During my second visit to Fushimi Inari (December last year) my friend and I went and asked someon at the shrine how to do it, and like a goldfish, when I came to the actual shrine, I had completely forgotten. A question: As I recall, the Hakozaki shrine in Fukuoka has a station where you come out behind the first torii. What would you do then? You haven't passed the gate, technically, but you have already entered the shrine grounds. My Japanese friend didn't do anything. Maybe it's because we were just going to Houjouya festival. Are there special rules for festivals? I remember that both my friend and I took pictures of the stalls and the food, but she didn't seem concerned at all about going up to the main shrine.

[@ashez2ashes]

Thank you. If I ever get to go to Japan I definitely want to be respectful.

[@CyberMercy]

Dude! Your the dad of 3 small children, & contributing to Tourism as well as bettering your self through passions - You are like 7th Dan of Time Managemrnt 😎☕💋

[@AngelGomez-fm6ys]

Me encanta la forma en cómo con detalle y paciencia lo explicas gran vídeo y saludos desde México 🇲🇽

[@fightronin3753]

Well made video!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!

[@pyenygren2299]

Thank you for an informative video.

[@HeadphoneTaco]

Great vid! In regards to not asking for wishes, I like the idea of making a declaration of intent, and determination. However, what if you asked for something to come true, that you could never do? Such as asking for someone to come home from battle, or be cured of terrible sickness?

[@ThePongzilla]

I recently got a goshuincho I’m going to write these down on a separate piece of paper so I can remember them thank you.

[@QuentinDischant]

Thank you for your time and explainations🙏

[@nyt_shorts929]

I'll surely follow them when I'll go to japan ❤ Japanese people are well mannered 😊

[@GemCandy]

Am I ever going to Japan? No, cause I'm very scared of flying, am I still watching this cause it's very informative? Heck yes!

[@neonnwave1]

When I visited Japan, for the first couple of days, I kept making mistakes with the water. Eventually I got the hang of the process. Maybe me running out of money by the end of my trip was punishment for being rude to the gods..... Or it was just my careless spending. XD

[@theredheadwiththread1275]

Unrelated to the video content, but I'm glad to see that you're doing well! I'm not sure when I last saw a video from you but I know it's been probably a year, as this video is almost a year old at time of me posting this comment and I never got a notification for it. I think that the only reason that KZbin finally started showing me your videos again is due to the fact that I'm using Duolingo to learn Japanese, so my phone has picked up Japanese words which has led to YT suggesting Japan related videos and videos in Japanese.

[@mopenshaw]

Appreciate these lessons & explanations.

[@FriedGamer]

Thanks for this video! Hoping to visit in the future and this helped clear things up

[@conorcrockett9563]

Very Insightful. Not related to the topic, my uncle, aunt, and their son went to Japan a month ago and visted the Kiyomizu-dera and the Kinkaku-ji shrines in Kyoto.

[@TyrellMcK]

Thanks for the information, brother.

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

thanks for these tips and warnings, shogo!

[@MiyamotoMusashi9]

A small torii here demand a bow to pass through otherwise you will hit your head and fall backwards, and then the student is awaken

[@herbstwind9962]

Thank you for the video. It is very informative. One important question remains unanswered for me: What is a visit to a shrine like in a group? Does everyone pray individually, one after the other, or do they pray all at once?

[@lesfleurs9781]

Great analogies! Have you considered doing a video on the spring fertility festivals? This is something that is rarely talked about.

[@no-one5310]

I just came back from Japan and now after watching this, I feel like all this time I was an uninvited rude freeloader in all those shrines I visited.

[@marybethmartin1476]

Thank you for the information.

[@Ednardoize]

thank you so much for this video.

[@benromney9279]

I love your videos.

[@Love-Within]

Shogo is so pure

[@Jay-kz4td]

so informative :) thank you!!

[@Hollowelldena70]

So interesting thank you very much

[@adamslosslessmusiccollection]

Now I feel bad I never bowed before passing through the Torii Gates when I went to Kyoto back in 2015 😥

[@pookyac42]

Atarashii Gakko has made an excellent video about this too 😊. It's called Seishun Academy 104: Asking Gods for help

[@lucianoarrieta5786]

Thanks Shogo! This makes things more clear on things to do and things NOT to do. There is one question, not exactly as etiquette at the shrines, but concerning the amulets sold at the Shrines. Can you buy more than one to offer them to a single person? Thank you.

[@blackhorde22]

Welcome Back!!

[@Siuyendiana]

😊👍🏻🙏 Very interesting topic.

[@illiengalene2285]

As I can even visit a shinto shrine in my area in Germany, Düsseldorf. So it is even important to visiting Germany.

[@chasehatchett4756]

I never thought I might live in Japan, but now my wife is thinking of taking a job teaching English at her friend’s family school or something in Kanazawa I think. It’s a coastal city for sure can’t recall exactly.

[@munchcat]

Thank you so much for making this video. My partner and I are saving up to go to Japan (it won't be for years though) and one of the things we really want to do is visit some of the shrines. I've been paranoid about doing things that might be viewed as disrespectful or taboo and planned to look up basic etiquette for shrines before we go, but this video is such a great overview. Is it true most shrines will have someone there you can ask for help in what is and isn't respectful? Or is that just certain shrines/certain holidays?

[@LanceVictorLau]

I have a question. When you rinse your mouth at the chozuya, do you swallow the water or spit it out? And if you spit it out, where do you spit it out? Hope everyone doesn't mind my question.

[@jeffreyalansantos2335]

I've learned from you how to respect the gods around your country even if I was a Christian or catholic😊❤. Let's share some understanding and love

[@epicsage16]

6:42 When cleansing your mouth, it looks like you’re expected to swallow the water, right? I’d imagine that spitting it out would be considered rude?

[@alfanika2934]

Konnichiwa! Please, tell us about the Goddess Amaterasu, and the fox spirits of Kitsune. Where did they come from? Tell us what the Miko do in Shinto shrines. Thank you.

[@eric0302]

Thank you for including the map.I have read that before the Meiji period, shrines and temples were together. Where can I find a picture or map of this type of hybrid religious building?

[@二胡玲]

I’m Japanese and I think that Shogo saying is true Shrine rules. Some Japanese often mistake or forget these rules so if you know these, Japanese people may be surprised and they think that you have respect for Japanese culture.

[@nazokashii]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@crusadingsun6183]

i was wondering about sai's and if you were able to cover them sometime.

[@Diorom]

You are great shogo❤

[@MadsRosenlund-ym5kp]

this video is so useful