Detail Of Sanki Do Shrine At Mount Misen, Miyajima Island, Itsukushima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Stock Photo

Sanki Daigongen are three fierce guardian gods of Mt. Misen. The main god is called Tsuichokijin. Tengus, long-nosed goblins, are their servants.Usually, prayers at a shrine are done in front of the honden (main hall) where the kami resides. It is customary to throw a coin in the offering box—five-yen coins are considered fortunate, as the pronunciation of the coin’s name (“go-en”) has the same sound as the term for "luck." If there is a bell hanging over the offering box, use the attached rope to ring the bell and alert the kami to your presence. You can also clap twice, then bow twice before offering up your desired petitions. When you've finished praying, bow once more to complete the ritual.