I have always wondered about religion in different parts of the world, especially areas that were vastly different from my own. Since I grew up in a mainly Christian area, I was extremely ignorant about other forms of religion like Buddhism. In Japan, Shinto Buddhism is a deep part of the culture. Even if Japanese people don't consider themselves to be Buddhist, they still often take trips to Buddhist shrines and temples to pay respects, find their fortune or enjoy festivals.
I decided to learn all about shrine and temple visits! Visiting shrines and temples can be casual and fun. But there are also traditions involved to experience shrines fully. The most common tradition is offering money to the gods. Often, there will be an offering box with a large rope in front of it attached to a bell. It is said that it is lucky to use go-en, or five yen coins. Go-en is used because this phrase can also mean "honorable good luck"! First you throw the money, then bow once, pray, clap twice, and then bow again to thank the gods for their time.
