Cleansing ritual at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto

Various customs take place at Japanese shrines and this particular one is performed at the 'temizuya' (water pavilion). Water is scooped up in a ladle using the right hand and poured over the left hand, then the right hand. Some of the water from the ladle is then poured into the left hand and used to cleanse the mouth. The ladle is then tipped so that water runs down it (over your inner arm) to clean it, and is then put back. The theory behind this ritual is that mind and body are cleansed before entering the shrine and standing before the deity. Fushimi Inari Shrine - famous for its thousands of red Tori gates is located in Kyoto and is one of the most beautiful I have visited.