Beyond the Torii Gate: A Beginner's Guide to Etiquette and Customs

Abstract

Japanese shrines are among the most popular destinations for international tourists. However, many guidebooks, such as Lonely Planet and Fodor's, do not explain the proper manners and customs. Typically, the shrine grounds do not display instructions, and Japanese shrines rarely offer multilingual how-to guides on their websites. The standard ritual for visiting Shinto shrines consists of "two bows, two claps, and one bow." This practice has become second nature for many Japanese people. Consequently, it can be challenging for foreigners to receive proper guidance, which often leads visitors to mimic the actions of those in front of them during their shrine visits.

To address this issue, this project was initiated to create and evaluate instructional materials that assist individuals in understanding the fundamental practices of worship for their next visit. The primary objective was to provide clear and practical guidance that empowers individuals to confidently navigate the customs of visiting Shinto shrines. The instructions were presented in the form of an eBook, which was created using Canva and Heyzine Flipbooks enhanced with interactive elements developed through Flippity, PlayHT, and Cloudconvert. The post-survey indicated that all participants (n = 18) reported an improved understanding of customs and traditions. Additionally, 94% of participants felt confident about practicing correctly at a Japanese shrine. Next steps will involve enhancing content by exploring new eBook creators and integrating online assessment tools for improved data collection.