Episode 7: Visiting a Shrine (神社へ)

Welcome back to JapanTodayy! In Episode 7, Hana and Yuki visit a quiet Shinto shrine on a peaceful afternoon. This episode introduces beautiful traditions like bowing at the torii gate, washing hands at the purification fountain, and praying for good luck.

Through their experience, you’ll learn polite language used at religious sites, new cultural vocabulary, and how to communicate respectfully in sacred places.

⛩️ Scene Summary

After a busy day in the city, Yuki suggests they visit a nearby shrine to relax and reflect. As they walk through the torii gate, they notice other visitors washing their hands and bowing quietly. Yuki shows Hana how to purify herself and pray the traditional way. A gentle and calming episode — great for learning soft, respectful language.

🗣️ Episode Dialogue

Character	Japanese	English	Korean
Yuki	ちょっと神社に寄ってみようか？	Want to stop by a shrine?	신사에 잠깐 들러볼까?
Hana	いいね、行ってみたい！	Sounds good, I’d like to go!	좋아, 가보고 싶어!
Yuki	鳥居の前で一礼してね。	Bow once at the torii gate.	토리이 앞에서 인사해.
Hana	わかった。こう？	Got it. Like this?	알겠어. 이렇게?
Yuki	手を洗ってからお参りしよう。	Let’s wash our hands before we pray.	손 씻고 참배하자.
Hana	水、冷たい〜でも気持ちいい！	The water’s cold – but it feels nice!	물이 차가워~ 하지만 기분 좋아!
Hana	どうやってお祈りするの？	How do you pray here?	여기서 어떻게 기도해?
Yuki	二礼二拍手一礼だよ。	Bow twice, clap twice, then bow once.	두 번 절하고 두 번 손뼉치고 한 번 더 절해.

📚 Vocabulary Boost

神社 (じんじゃ) – shrine
鳥居 (とりい) – torii gate
一礼 (いちれい) – bow once
手を洗う (てをあらう) – wash hands
お参り (おまいり) – shrine visit / prayer
二礼二拍手一礼 – the ritual way to pray: 2 bows, 2 claps, 1 bow

🎯 Grammar Focus: Giving Simple Instructions

Japanese often uses polite imperatives in public or respectful settings:

〜してね – Do ~, okay? (soft) 一礼してね。 (Bow once, okay?)
〜しよう – Let’s do ~ 手を洗ってからお参りしよう。 (Let’s wash hands before praying.)

These forms are gentle and natural in casual speech — perfect for guiding a friend politely.

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🏮 Cultural Tip: Shrine Etiquette 101

Japanese shrines are sacred spaces. Here’s how to act respectfully:

Bow once before entering the torii gate
Wash your hands and mouth at the purification fountain
At the offering box:
- Throw in a coin
- Bow twice
- Clap twice
- Bow once again

It’s also common to draw a fortune (おみくじ) or write a wish on a wooden plaque (絵馬). If your fortune isn’t good, tie it up on a special rack — it’s believed to leave the bad luck behind.

Thanks for exploring tradition and tranquility with us in Episode 7! Now you can walk into any shrine in Japan with confidence, grace, and the right words.

🎥 Coming Soon: Episode 8 – “Rainy Day Trouble (雨の日のトラブル)”
Hana and Yuki get caught in the rain — and a surprise happens when their umbrella breaks. Get ready for some new weather-related expressions and funny moments!