Asia Temple Etiquette

Universal Rules

Cover up: Shoulders and knees at virtually all religious sites across Asia.

Shoes off: Before entering temple buildings — look for the step-up and piles of shoes.

Photography: Exterior usually fine. Inner sanctuaries often prohibited — look for signs.

Pointing feet: Deeply disrespectful toward sacred images throughout Buddhist and Hindu Asia.

Shinto Shrines (Japan)

At the purification fountain:

1. Right hand takes ladle, pour over left
2. Transfer to left, pour over right
3. Cup in left hand, rinse mouth

At the offering box: Bow twice, clap twice, pray, bow once.

Buddhist Temples (Japan/Thailand)

Hands together in prayer. No clapping. Incense offering optional.

Thailand specifically: Women must not touch monks or hand objects directly.

Hindu Temples (Bali/India)

Bali: Sarong required. Available to borrow at entrance.

India: Dress conservatively. Non-Hindus restricted from some inner sanctuaries.