Things You Shouldn’t Do at a Japanese Temple Hand-Washing Area
What I Actually Saw at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
When visiting Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, one of the first places many people stop is the temizuya, the hand-washing area near the entrance.
It’s a popular spot for photos and videos, and for many visitors, it’s their first time experiencing a traditional Japanese custom.
However, while watching people use the temizuya yesterday, I noticed that many visitors were unsure about the correct manners.
In this article, I’ll share real things I saw at Sensoji Temple, explain what is considered a mistake, and show the correct (and simple) way to do it.
A Common Mistake I Saw at Sensoji Temple
Yesterday, I noticed something that caught my attention:
👉 Some people were putting the ladle (hishaku) directly into their mouths.
They clearly didn’t mean any harm.
Most of them were simply copying others or trying to do the “right thing” without knowing the rules.
At famous tourist spots like Asakusa, many visitors are:
• Experiencing Japanese culture for the first time
• Filming videos for memories or social media
Because of this, temizuya manners can be confusing, especially for international travelers.
The Correct Way to Cleanse Your Mouth
The correct way is actually very simple.
✔ Do NOT put the ladle directly into your mouth
✔ Use your hand like a small bowl
✔ Pour a little water into your hand and rinse your mouth
That’s all you need to do.
Even many Japanese people can’t clearly explain this, so it’s completely normal not to know.
You Don’t Need to Drink the Water
The water at the temizuya is not drinking water.
Its purpose is only to symbolically cleanse your body and mouth.
After rinsing your mouth, it is perfectly okay to spit the water out onto the ground near the drain.
You do not need to swallow it.
What If You Accidentally Drink It?
Some people worry:
“What if I accidentally drank the water?”
Don’t worry.
👉 It’s not poisonous, and drinking a small amount by mistake is usually not a problem.
That said, it’s still not meant for drinking, so there’s no need to swallow it on purpose.
You Won’t Get in Trouble for Making a Mistake
At places like Sensoji Temple, no one expects visitors to be perfect.
Even if you make a small mistake, people rarely get angry or say anything.
Most Japanese people simply feel happy that visitors are interested in Japanese culture.
Why So Many People Film the Temizuya
One thing I noticed yesterday was how many people were recording videos here.
The temizuya feels very “Japanese”:
• The sound of flowing water
• The quiet atmosphere
• The simple, meaningful actions
It’s easy to understand why many visitors want to capture this moment on video.
Summary: It’s Okay Not to Know
Temizuya manners are not something everyone knows.
Just remember these three points:
✔ Don’t put the ladle in your mouth
✔ Use your hand to rinse your mouth
✔ You don’t need to drink the water
That’s enough.
You don’t need to be perfect—just enjoy the experience and Japanese culture with confidence.
