Basic shrine worship etiquette to becoming the coolest hatsumōde attendee in town Since the Japanese are already well known for being strict about etiquette in daily life, visitors wishing to participate in an important celebration like hatsumōde will surely be asked to adhere to an even more rigorous set of rules, right? Well, not necessarily! Those interested in taking part can simply follow the rather straightforward rites below to become the coolest hatsumōde attendee in town. Nihai-nihakushu-ichihai (two bows, two claps, one bow) is the basic prayer ritual performed by worshippers while standing in front of a shrine altar. You've most probably already seen someone doing this before, whether at a temple or on TV!