Visiting a shrine in Japan is a way to press pause on your busy life

Shinto shrines are uncomplicated. They have a pared-down Japanese style that contrasts with the ornate exuberance of Catholic churches or Buddhist temples, and are often located in simple natural settings.

Although major Shinto shrines can be busy with students or businesspeople praying for success, or you might stumble into a wedding or priestly procession, the chief reason to visit is for lovely tranquillity amid the crowded clamour of Japan.

The best shrines aren’t featured in guidebooks but are modest country affairs hunkered under cedar trees or bamboo, where breezes and birds provide the only soundtrack.

You know you’ve entered a Shinto complex when you see a pair of stone guardian lions, dogs or foxes near the main torii entrance gate. If you want to follow the rituals, rinse your hands and mouth at the water basin and approach the shrine from the side; the centre is reserved for any deities who care to pass by.

It would be presumptuous to expect the gods to be concerned with your humble existence, so clap politely or ring the bell or gong to attract their attention before praying. Bow twice beforehand and once afterwards.

If you want, write your wishes on a wooden ema board and hang it on a rack. Meanwhile Shinto fortune-telling is a win-win situation. Pull an omikuji paper slip from a pile. If it predicts good fortune, put it in your pocket. Otherwise, tie the twist of paper to a tree branch and leave your bad luck behind for the gods to sort out.

The ancient Shinto gods manifest themselves in waterfalls, rocks, rivers and animals, but you don’t have to be a follower of Shintoism to appreciate the spiritual in nature. Press the pause button on your frenetic sightseeing. Slow down. Appreciate a sprig of blossom or cushion of moss. Sit on a rock and turn your face to the sun.

The secret to appreciating any religion is to understand that the purpose of ritual is to relax and comfort. Slide yourself into the Shinto atmosphere: the gentle clapping, the quiet, the lack of hurry, the moment spent asking yourself (and the gods) what you hope for in life.

Shintoism is a tolerant affair. Mutter your appreciation to any deity you like, or none. It’s the calmness that counts. Visit a Shinto shrine and you feel as if you’ve temporarily fallen into a warp in the time-space of your busy life. No better gift from the gods than that.