Shrine me up!

The RSBW’s Department of Cultural Calibration has flagged a major gap in the current field intel: insufficient temple-based enlightenment. With ancient traditions, aesthetic serenity, and suspiciously photogenic koi ponds at stake, you’ve been tasked with an urgent pilgrimage. Your mission? Visit as many temples as possible across Japan—Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, and beyond—and collect spiritual insight, vibes, and questionable fortunes along the way.

#[100₴] Visit a temple

Explore around the various temples scattered throughout Japan. Learn about the history of each of the temples you visit, and what makes them unique. For example, you can find a mountain covered in shrines dedicated to foxes, who are the messengers of the god of agriculture and business.

#[100₴] Make a prayer at the shrine

Pay your respects to the spirits of the shrine by praying. Express gratitude, make wishes, or seek protection. It’s a moment of quiet reflection that connects you with Japan’s spiritual traditions and the natural world.

Step 1: Purification (Temizuya). Before approaching the shrine, stop by the temizuya (water pavilion) to cleanse yourself:

1. Pick up the ladle with your right hand, pour water over your left hand.
2. Switch hands and pour water over your right hand.
3. Pour some water into your left hand and use it to rinse your mouth (do not sip directly from the ladle).
4. Rinse your left hand again.
5. Tilt the ladle upright to let the remaining water cleanse the handle.

Step 2: Offering and Prayer. Now purified, walk up to the main hall (haiden) and follow these steps:

1. Toss a coin (usually ¥5 is considered lucky) into the offering box.
2. Bow deeply twice.
3. Clap your hands twice.
4. Make a silent prayer or wish.
5. Finish with one final deep bow.

If this doesn't make sense, you can study the video below:

#[250₴] Record your visit in your temple book

At each temple or shrine, seek out the goshuin desk, usually near the main hall or office. Politely hand over your goshuinchō—a special stamp book—and in return, a monk or attendant will inscribe it with beautiful calligraphy, often including the temple’s name, date of visit, and a unique red seal. It’s a sacred souvenir and proof of your pilgrimage—a quiet but powerful way to track your journey through Japan’s spiritual heart.

It is essential that you pay your respects by praying first before get your temple book stamped. It is proof of your pilgrimage, so it would be rude not to.