Shrine etiquette in hot weather

In the article 'how to visit a shrine' we covered the essential and most basic information needed for visiting a shrine in Japan. But there are a few additional things to be considerate about. Especially as the weather heats up and some of us may be most comfortable walking around in shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses and some sort of head wear.

As you can see in the photo above, which shows how to pray at the shrine, the girl is dressed in respectable clothing. She is wearing a jacket, has a knee length skirt, shoes and her hair is tied back neatly.This is no coincidence, I have no doubt that careful consideration was given to the drawing of this diagram.

In the summer, you are not going to be wearing a jacket. But there is a lot to be learned from the diagram. Below some of the things to be aware of when visiting a shrine in the summer, based on my own experience and the wise words of my Mother in Law who was a shrine maiden in her younger years:

• It is an unspoken rule that you should not bear your shoulders at a shrine. T-shirts are fine if they cover the shoulder. String dresses are fine if you wear a T-shirt under them. String tops are a no unless you also wear a T-shirt under them too!
• I've seen on numerous forums people claiming that wearing flip flops or crocs to a shrine is acceptable. But I (strongly) beg to differ! If you don't plan to enter any of the buildings on the shrine grounds neat sandals are fine. But if you are going to be entering the shrine, you should have foot wear that you can wear socks with or at least have a clean pair of socks in your bag.
• Remove your sunglasses and any head wear when you are praying at the shrine. Some shrines even have places to leave a hat / bag or any other handheld items while you pray.

Would you agree or disagree with any of this advice?