Before entering a Japanese temple or shrine, check to see if shoes are allowed. Many prefer for you to remove your shoes and either leave them in available storage or carry them with you. Be sure to wear nice, clean socks. To be respectful, you should also avoid wearing shorts/short pants. Wear respectable skirts (women) or long pants (men and women). # Step 2 If you observe others bowing before entering the establishment, it would likely be wise for you to do so, too. Pay careful attention to the direction they face when they bow, for they're likely bowing to a specific part of the temple/shrine or a specific object. # Step 3 If there is a purification fountain, use the ladle to lift water out to wash both your hands. Then ladle water into your hands and rinse your mouth--do not drink from the ladle--before spitting the water out. Do not spit in the fountain. # Step 4 If incense (osenko) is available, buy some. You should light it, let it burn briefly, then put the flame out. Be sure to do this by waving your hand, not by blowing. Place the incense in the incense holder and waft the smoke towards yourself, especially if you have an injury. The smoke is believed to have healing powers. # Step 5 If there is a gong available, use it before beginning to pray. Use it once. Do not try to play a drum solo on the gong. There may be a bell instead of a gong; ring the bell. Again, ring the bell only once. # Step 6 Take a few moments to pray before the temple's sacred object. Be sure to put a coin or two in the coin box available. # Step 7 Do not visit if you are ill or in mourning; do not bring ill or mourning people with you. These are considered impurities that could taint the location. # Step 8 Only take photographs if given express permission. # Step 9 As you would in any establishment, behave with respect and courtesy for those around you. It's generally customary to maintain silence around the temple/shrine area.

One of my majors is religion, particularly Asian religions. To begin a Japanese temple (寺・てら) is Buddhism (仏教・ぶっきょう). There are several forms of Buddhism practiced in Japan and within those denominations are others. Perhaps the most popular grouping is Zen Buddhism. From what I've experienced most Temples are taken care of by a priest and his family, with perhaps a disciple or multiplie disciples. The priest performs rituals for the community including routine practices and auspicious holidays, they also collect funds for the upkeep of the temple. A shrine (神社・じんじゃ) is Shinto (神道・しんとう) the original native religion of Japan. Its faith is the belief in multiple dieties and spirits residing in nature (animism/polytheism). There are many many gods, each shrine houses a god (神・かみ), but perhaps the most famous is Amaterasu 天照・あまてらす the goddess of the sun, which Japanese people believe they are decended (this is why the emperor was considered a god and Japananese 日本 is originated from the sun 日-sun　本- origin) As far as a Shrine goes they dont usually have priest present (神主・かんぬし/神職・しんしょく) but they do come around to perform particular rituals. When you visit one you will usually make a small money offering (any amount is fine) ring a bell, clap, and pray. There are also fortune slips you can buy. In my experience most priests are extremely friendly and more than happy to ask any questions you may have, but be worned, I did not find one that could speak English so I hope your Japanese is really good to understand all the explanations of the religious terminology. All of this information can also be found online.