How much to give—and the simple etiquette that actually matters
Stuck in front of the offertory box, wondering what coin is “right”? Relax: there is no official recommended amount. What matters is how you offer and how you pray. This quick field guide shows the exact steps at Shinto shrines (two bows, two claps, one bow) and Buddhist temples (no clapping, hands together), plus a pocket plan for the coins you’ll actually use.
The short answer on money
There’s no fixed amount for saisen (offertory coins). A small coin is perfectly acceptable—the act of reverence is what counts, not the size of the offering. Official guidance for Meiji Jingu (Tokyo) even states There is no recommended offering amount.
Tip: You may hear that a ¥5 coin is “lucky” because go-en (five yen) sounds like good connection in Japanese. It’s a popular wordplay, not a rule—use any coin you wish. wikipedia
At a Shinto shrine: the exact sequence (takes under a minute)
- Offer: Gently place a coin in the box.
- Bow twice (deeply).
- Clap twice (hands at chest level), then hold your hands together and pray silently.
- Bow once again.
That’s it—this is the standard “two bows, two claps, one bow.” Many major shrines publish these steps verbatim.
Before the prayer: use the temizuya (purification basin) if available—rinse left hand, right hand, mouth (discreetly), then the handle. It’s a quick reset before entering the sacred space.
At a Buddhist temple: quieter form, no clapping
Temples use a different style. Offer your coin quietly, bow once, place your hands together (gasshō), make your silent prayer, then bow once again. Do not clap at temples—several official/semiofficial guides call this out explicitly.
Photo & common-sense etiquette
Follow posted signs; many sites forbid photography at the main sanctuary/altar. Move calmly, keep voices low, and don’t block the offertory area while deciding on a coin. (Meiji Jingu’s etiquette page is a good model.)
Pocket plan (what to carry)
- Coins: a few ¥100 and a ¥5 if you like the wordplay.
- Small handkerchief: handy after purification.
- One small bill (¥1,000): for omamori/ema or nearby donations that aren’t coin-friendly.
If you need cash in a pinch, Japan Post Bank ATMs support many foreign cards (English UI available).
30-second recap
- There’s no set amount for offerings—reverence > money.
- Shrines: two bows, two claps, one bow. Temples: no claps, hands together.
- Purify briefly, keep the flow moving, and follow on-site signs.
Now that you’ve got the basics, try a crowd-free experience next.
We’ve gathered off-peak ideas and small, easy add-ons you can slip into your day.
→ https://crazyescape.net/experiences/