The strict Shinto/Buddhist rule prohibiting photography ('Satsuei Kinshi') inside main temple halls, near ancient altar statues, or directly over amulet counters to preserve sanctity.
📜 Sacred Origins
Enforced both to protect centuries-old pigments from bright camera flashes and to maintain a quiet sanctuary of deep reflection. Worshippers want to pray without Soya's tourists waving selfie sticks around active altars.
🚨 Holy Taboos & Correct Manners
Scan doorways for the crossed-out camera icon. Inside wooden halls hosting ancient gold statues, pack Soya's camera completely away. Focus on eyes-on-altar prayer rather than capturing social media pictures.
🔊 Since photography is strictly prohibited inside the main temple hall, please pack Soya's camera away inside your bag. / You can capture the beautiful autumn foliage in the yard, but make sure not to include other worshippers' faces.
❓ Bilingual Sanctuary Quiz
What strict rule must be observed regarding taking photographs or videos inside Shinto and Buddhist holy grounds?