Kumano Nachi Taisha Dragon Temizuya Fountain Shinto Shrine Japan

What is the symbolic meaning of washing your hands in the Chōzuya or Temizuya before entering a Shinto temple in Japan?

It symbolizes the cleansing of your body and mind before approaching the deity (“kami”) and entering the sacred space; this act is called “temizu” and is considered a necessary step to be spiritually prepared for prayer.

Washing hands is not just about physical cleanliness, but rather a symbolic gesture to remove impurities and negative energy before entering the sacred area.
Water as purifier:
Water is seen as a cleansing element in Shinto tradition, and the act of washing hands with water from a designated basin is a way to symbolically purify oneself.
“Temizuya”:
The area where people wash their hands is called a “temizuya” and is typically located near the entrance of the shrine.