2 Bows, 2 Claps, 1 Bow (二礼二拍手一礼 - Nirei Nihakushu Ichirei)
The primary traditional bowing and clapping ritual performed in front of Shinto shrines. It consists of bowing deeply twice, clapping your hands twice, praying with clasped hands, and bowing deeply one final time.
Bowing shows ultimate respect, while clapping historically signaled that the worshipper carried no weapons and approached the gods with a pure, honest heart. This exact sequence was officially standardized nationwide during the Meiji period.
Ring the bell and toss a coin. Perform 2 deep bows (90 degrees). Bring your hands to chest level, slide your right hand slightly down, clap twice, align fingers to pray silently. Finish with 1 deep bow.
What is the standard and polite sequence for praying at Shinto shrines?