How to visit a shrine
A shrine is a place to pray and give thanks. There is no single strict form for the whole country: worship first, then receive a goshuin, and follow the notices at each shrine where it differs.
Before the torii
Pause before the torii and bow once before entering; bow again, turning back, as you leave. The middle of the approach is the path of the kami, so walk along the sides and keep it clear.
Purifying at the temizuya
At the water pavilion, take one ladle of water: rinse your left hand, then your right, then rinse your mouth with water poured into your left palm, rinse the left hand again, and finish by rinsing the ladle handle. Never put the ladle to your mouth.
Two bows, two claps, one bow
At the offering hall, place a coin in the box and ring the bell if there is one. Bow deeply twice, clap twice at chest height, make your wish in silence, and bow deeply once more. Some shrines use a different number of claps — follow the notice on site.
Goshuin: after you have prayed
A goshuin is a record of your visit, received at the shrine office after you have prayed. What kinds are offered, when the office is open, and the fee all differ from shrine to shrine, so check the notice on site.
Dress and photography
There is no strict dress code, but dress respectably for the shrine. Commercial photography needs prior permission, and even private photos should wait until you have checked for no-photography notices — never stop to photograph on a narrow approach where you block other visitors.
The grounds are a place of prayer
The shrine grounds are a sacred place of prayer, not a park. Do not smoke or use fire, do not enter restricted areas, do not climb lanterns or litter, and keep your voice down.
Sources：八坂神社 ご参拝・ご祈祷（公式） ↗伏見稲荷大社 伏見稲荷大社からのお願い（公式） ↗京都市観光協会 京都観光モラル 観光客向け行動基準（公式） ↗