references/cultural-practice-notes.md

# Cultural practice notes

Treat temples and shrines as active sacred places, not themed attractions. Explain unfamiliar terms without presenting Japanese religion as monolithic. Distinguish common guidance from a site-published rule and never invent firsthand experience.

Safe baseline guidance:

- Keep voices and devices quiet around worshippers.
- Obey signs for photography, footwear, restricted areas, food, and ceremonies.
- Ask before photographing identifiable people; do not obstruct worship or circulation.
- Shrine and temple practices can differ, and individual sites may publish special forms.
- Goshuin reception may involve an offering and separate desk or schedule; format and availability change.
- Describe goshuincho and loose-sheet options without declaring one universally correct.

General orientation sources:

- JNTO, Shrine & Temple Visits: https://www.japan.travel/en/us/blog/shrine-temple-visits-best-practices/
- JNTO, Collecting Goshuin: https://www.japan.travel/en/blog/collecting-goshuin-shrine-and-temple-stamps/
- Jinja Honcho, At a Jinja: https://www.jinjahoncho.or.jp/en/at-a-jinja/

These are orientation sources, not substitutes for a site's current instructions.