Can non-Japanese people pray at shrines?

Yes, absolutely. Shrines welcome respectful visitors regardless of nationality or personal beliefs. You can participate in rituals or simply observe quietly.

What if I make a mistake with the ritual?

Don't worry about perfect execution. Showing respect and making an effort is what matters. Japanese people will appreciate your attempt to follow customs.

Can I take photos inside shrine buildings?

Photography rules vary by shrine. Generally, photos of the exterior and grounds are fine, but avoid flash and don't photograph people praying. Some inner buildings prohibit all photography.

Do I need to make a donation?

Offerings are completely optional. If you choose to make one, any amount is appropriate. The act of respect matters more than the money.

What's the difference between a shrine and a temple?

Shrines (jinja) are Shinto and typically have torii gates. Temples (tera) are Buddhist and often have pagodas. The basic respect rules are similar for both.

How to behave respectfully at Tokyo shrines

Follow the purification ritual at the entrance, bow before entering and leaving, keep your voice low, and don't touch sacred objects. Remove your hat, turn off your phone's sound, and toss coins gently when making offerings.

Purify yourself at the temizuya (water basin). Use the ladle to rinse your left hand, then right hand, then rinse your mouth (don't drink or put the ladle to your lips). Wipe the ladle handle before returning it.
Bow at the entrance. Stop before passing under the torii gate and bow once. Walk to either side of the path, not down the center (that's for the kami/spirits).
Approach the main shrine quietly. Keep conversations to whispers. Turn off phone sounds. Remove hats and sunglasses. Don't point at buildings or statues.
Make your offering properly. Toss coins gently into the offering box (5 or 50 yen coins are traditional). Ring the bell if there is one. Bow twice, clap twice, bow once more.
Exit respectfully. Don't turn your back on the main shrine when leaving. Step to the side and bow again before walking away. Bow once more after passing back through the torii gate.

Can non-Japanese people pray at shrines?: Yes, absolutely. Shrines welcome respectful visitors regardless of nationality or personal beliefs. You can participate in rituals or simply observe quietly.
What if I make a mistake with the ritual?: Don't worry about perfect execution. Showing respect and making an effort is what matters. Japanese people will appreciate your attempt to follow customs.
Can I take photos inside shrine buildings?: Photography rules vary by shrine. Generally, photos of the exterior and grounds are fine, but avoid flash and don't photograph people praying. Some inner buildings prohibit all photography.
Do I need to make a donation?: Offerings are completely optional. If you choose to make one, any amount is appropriate. The act of respect matters more than the money.
What's the difference between a shrine and a temple?: Shrines (jinja) are Shinto and typically have torii gates. Temples (tera) are Buddhist and often have pagodas. The basic respect rules are similar for both.