【Travel Q&A】Step-By-Step Guide to Praying Etiquette at Japanese Shrines & Temples

31.December.2017 | SPOT

Visiting shrines and temples is one of the must-do activities when visiting Japan to really experience the traditional culture. But did you know there are certain rules to follow when praying at a shrine? But do not worry, it’s actually quite simple. We will walk you through the process step by step so you know exactly what to do when you arrive at a shrine or temple during your trip to Japan.

 

1:Shrines? Temples? What’s the difference?

浅草寺

First of all, let’s clear up the difference between a shrine and a temple. Temples came from countries such as China and India to spread Buddhism. They are places to worship Buddha and are installed with statues of Buddha. Buddhist monks live to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Inside the temples are bhikkhu (monks), bhikkhuni (female monks), temple masters and more who enshrine the image of Buddha.

 

Related article:【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around Asakusa for half of the day finding the stereo typical sightseeing spots and new spots.

 

 

日枝神社

On the other hand, shrines originated from primitive, scared altars such as “iwakura” (sacred rocks) and other places where the gods are said to live – places where people cannot enter. They were temporarily erected during special occasions. Shrines that you see today were not originally a permanent structure. Their origin is different from those of temples that came from abroad. Shrines originated in Japan and their history there goes back further than Buddhism, making them much different from temples.

Related article:Visit Temples and Shrines, and Collect Goshu-in!

 

 

2:So, how do I pray?

There are several steps to follow when praying at a temple or shrine in Japan. These steps may also differ from temple to shrine, so be sure to check properly before starting.

 

Shrines & Temples

お祈り

Praying

The general starting point is to throw some money into the offertory box. Most people throw in a ¥5 coin. This is because “5 yen” in Japanese is pronounced “go-en,” which is a homophone with the word for “good luck” (ご縁).

 

Bell

If there’s a bell positioned above the offertory box, then be sure to ring it by shaking it back and forth. This is done to call the gods to the shrine.

 

Can I take photos

Many places will not allow you to take photos. Be sure to check thoroughly whether there is a warning sign or not. Even if you see people taking photos, make sure to check for yourself.

 

Related article:【Tokyo Stroll 】A power spot at the heart of Tokyo? Half a day at Meiji Shrine!

 

Shrines & Temples

30890-170214_ks_00003

“Temizuya”

The first thing you’ll find when arriving at a shrine and many temples is the “temizuya” (water purification basin). This is where you wash your hands and rinse your mouth to cleanse yourself before praying.

 

There are several steps to follow:

1) Hold the ladle with your right hand and wash your left hand – then do the opposite.

2) Take the ladle with your right hand and scoop some water. Pour the water into your left hand and rinse your mouth with it. Make sure to never bring the ladle to your mouth. Spit the water next to the fountain, never directly back into it.

3) With the ladle still in your right hand, rinse your left hand one last time. Done.

 

Praying at a shrine – bowing and clapping

  1. Come before the shrine, perform a light bow and ring the bell.
  2. Toss your money into the offertory box.
  3. Perform 2 deeper bows (30°-45° angle), bring your hands to the front of your chest, pray, then clap twice.
  4. Finally, bow deeply one last time, and you’re done!

 

Temples

Praying at a temple – bowing

  1. Perform a light bow, throw your money into the offertory box and ring the bell.
  2. Bring your hands to the front of your chest, pray, and perform a final light bow.

 

What’s the best way to tell if you’ve come to a shrine or temple, I hear you asking? If you passed under a “tori” on your way in, you’re at a shrine. They’re usually red and look like big gates with two main pillars. If you passed under a “sanmon,” you’re at a temple. These are often complete with a roof and look like mini-temples in their own right. The praying process at shrines and temples are much different so be sure to check where you are first!

 

Temples

Incense

Some temples have an incense holder stationed outside, where you can purchase your own bundle of “osenko” (incense) to burn. If you’re lighting your own incense, be sure to put out the fire by hand and never blow it out. But before you do, make sure you wave some of that incense smoke onto you as it’s said to have healing powers! If there’s a weak part of your body, too, then be sure to try it out.

 

 

3:What’s a “Goshuin”?

御朱印

Goshuin

The must-do popular thing right now is collecting “goshuin” (red seal stamps). These stamps are given at shrines and temples to show that you have visited those places. In addition to the shrines’ and temples’ unique seals, specially trained writers will write the name of the shrine or temple, the date at which you visited and sometimes other information, all in calligraphic writing. One of the reasons for the goshuin popularity is for the artistry behind it all as the penmanship and designs are different depending on which place you visit. Whether you visit the same place twice or just the date is being written for you, each and every goshuin entry has its own unique characteristics and feeling put into the characters depending on the person writing for you, meaning your entry will be the only one of its kind in the world. You will require a goshuin stamp book to receive a stamp entry. They are sold at many of the popular shrines and temples.

穴守稲荷神社

We have an article about collecting cute goshuin on the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON website so be sure to check it out!

 

Related Article: 【Tokyo Stroll】 Lost in a world of shrine arches and lucky sand! Head to Anamori Inari Shrine near Haneda airport!

 

Was our guide useful? We hope you use it for reference when visiting shrines and temples in Japan.

 

MMN will continue to answer questions related to Japan and Japanese culture. If you have any questions about Japan then be sure to hit us up on our Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto

    30.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto. 

    On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.

     

    After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs.

     

    Don’t miss this curious exhibition!

  • Hirosaki and Hakodate to Begin Winter Tourism Campaign with Snow Miku Starting December 2022

    26.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.

     

    [Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project

    ■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku

    ・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023

    ・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas

     

    ■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event

    Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!

    ・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
                        Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)

     

    ■Snow Miku Photo Spot

    Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths. 

    ・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
                            JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)

    ■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App

    A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!

    ・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka  Information Center,

                             Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village

          (Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,

    Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

     

    ■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video 

    The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!

    ・On Air: December 1, 2022~

    ・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)

     

    ■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc. 

    A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!

    ・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities

     

    ■Snow Miku Filters Using AR

    When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.

    ・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

  • Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto

    10.November.2022 | FASHION

    Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project in Kyoto. 

     

    The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Stepping into the temple, guests will be met with colorful autumn leaves and a sea of gold and blue art pieces.


    “I want people to enter this world of light and experience being part of it,” Amano said. “Rather than art being something flat on a wall, I want to present something new and unique.” This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.

     

    The main art piece, newly painted by Amano himself, will be on display in the Dharma Hall, which was decorated by one of Kano Tan’yu’s masterpieces. Tan’yu was an Edo-period painter. 

     

    The three meter tall column features Amano’s own interpretation of Hiten, part of Mount Meru, a part of Buddhism cosmology considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Four smaller pieces will be displayed on all four sides to create a three-dimensional mandala. 

  • Private Jet Package Now Available in Toyama Offering Spectacular View of Tateyama Mountains

    22.June.2022 | SPOT

    Mizu to Takumi, a company associated with the Toyama West Tourism Promotion Association, has teamed up with SKYTREK to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the area via private jet. Reservations for the incredible experience began on June 17, 2022.

     

    Offering an entirely new tourism experience in Toyama Prefecture, visitors can see the area’s natural wonders from miles above the Earth. The program also aims to share local culture and more about traditional craftsmanship and cuisine.

    Toyama Prefecture boasts dramatic topography, from the massive peaks of the Northern Alps and the Tateyama Mountains to the deep waters of Toyama Bay. To better allow visitors to see the sights, these private jet tours will be chartered on special courses different from standard airlines.

     

    After the flights, guests will be welcomed to explore Takaoka’s deep history and culture. Kane no Sanzun, a restored and preserved inn, will welcome visitors, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating time.

    Visitors can also book optional excursions to further explore the area, such as a Zen meditation experience at a famous temple in Takaoka, a traditional crafting workshop, and a tour and tasting of the only whiskey distillery in the Hokuriku region.

    Come enjoy a trip to Toyama with a whole new perspective!

  • Experience Japanese Culture from Anywhere with Kanda Myojin Shrine’s Virtual Space

    09.June.2022 | SPOT

    Kanda Myojin Shrine dates back over 1,270 years, making it one of the most well-known religious sites in Tokyo. Dai Nippon Printing is now making it possible for interested visitors to experience the site from anywhere in the world, unveiling the Kanda Myojin CG Space this week. Developed with approval from the shrine, the virtual space faithfully reproduces the structure and design of the location using 3D laser measurement technology and CG techniques developed by DNP over many years. The space will be open online to all audiences.

     

    A portion of the work from the Masayuki Kojo 10th Anniversary Exhibition currently behind held on-site at Kanda Myojin from June 4 until July 10 will also be available to view in the CG space. The space will also be linked to ‘Virtual Akihabara,’ developed by DNP in conjunction with the AKIBA Tourism Council. Using XR (Extended Reality), the company hopes to develop a wide variety of new communication styles.

     

    The Kanda Myojin CG Space was created by using DNP’s laser measurement technology to recreate three-dimensional objects. By using high-definition photography and photogrammetry technology, images of objects are taken from many angles, creating a realistic 3DCG space to explore. The structure of the shrine, which was rebuilt in 1934 after being damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake, has been faithfully reproduced in every way.

    In conjunction with events held at the Kanda Myojin Museum, the Kanda Myojin CG Space will make the history of Kanda Myojin and its collection of materials, including rare ukiyo-e prints, available online for anyone to access. Through these exhibits, people both in Japan and abroad can experience Edo culture through their web browsers!

  • Airbnb Reveals Top 10 Most Popular Summer Destinations in Japan

    08.June.2022 | SPOT

    Airbnb boasts one of the largest travel communities in the world, filled with users offering up lodging and those eager to visit somewhere new. The Japanese subsidiary of the company has revealed the top spots added to Japanese users ‘Favorites (Wish Lists)’ from May 1 to May 17, 2022. Where will travelers in the country be headed this summer?

     

    Golden Week is long gone and users are starting to think about where to visit during the hottest part of the year. This national ‘Wish List’ might make it easier to pick a spot, with many locations highlighting lesser-known areas!

     

    Gujo Hachiman Villa, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Gifu)

    This completely private rental villa was made for sauna enthusiasts. One lucky pair per day can book this suite along the Yoshida River flowing through Gujo Hachiman, known as the “City of Water and Dance.” Currently booked through the end of August, reservations for September and beyond will be available in early June. Book a stay to enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage!

    A House Surrounded by Lush Greenery in the Countryside (Tottori)

    Hosted by a family of musicians and architects, this guesthouse invites guests to enjoy gorgeous Nordic-inspired interiors and the serene quiet of the countryside. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot.

    Hoshina Satomachi, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Nagano)

    There’s nothing like spending the summer in a traditional Japanese home. Enjoy a barbeque on the terrace and relax on the massive lawn. This is the perfect spot for families with children or pets!

    Coastal Cabin (Chiba)

    You can’t have summer without a pool. This luxurious coastal retreat boasts a 15-meter pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, bonfire space, and a barbeque. Relax by the pool while listening to your favorite songs or soak in the outdoor bath as you watch the waves crash along the shore.

    An Elegant and Peaceful Log Cabin (Nagano)

    Located at 1,300 meters above sea level on the Iizuna plateau, this log cabin is situated in the midst of a dense forest. A perfect space for couples, families, or small groups of friends, guests are welcome to enjoy hiking through this gorgeous landscape in the center of Japan!

  • Ryusenji Temple Offering Gorgeous Paper-Cut Summer Goshuin Shrine Seals with a Wish for Peace

    03.June.2022 | SPOT

    Ryusenji Temple in Saitama is offering some exclusive summer goshuin! Goshuin are stamps or seals given to worshippers at shrines and temples around Japan, where somebody will stamp your goshuin-cho (stamp book) with the site’s unique seal along with the temple’s name and the day you visited handwritten in ink.

     

    The two new goshuin feature summer fireworks and a cooling fan design. These will be available from June 1 until August. They might sell out, though, so be quick!

     

    Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Fireworks and a Wish for Peace


    The Fireworks and a Wish for Peace
    goshuin use five kinds of paper to depict fireworks in the summer night sky.


    Fireworks are a popular summer tradition in Japan. It’s said that fireworks were born following the discovery of gunpowder and its use in guns when some decided to use the substance to make something beautiful rather than use it as a weapon. 


    Because of this, many see fireworks as a symbol of peace. The current war between Russia and Ukraine has seen gunpowder used as a horrific weapon used to end the lives of many innocent people, and this special goshuin was made in the hopes that the war will come to an end as soon as possible. Gunpowder should be used in fireworks to bring people happiness instead.

    Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Refreshing Good Luck Charm

    The Refreshing Good Luck Charm shows a traditional Japanese summer scene with a fan and goldfish swimming in clear blue water.

     

    Fans are used by many Japanese to keep cool during the summer months, and some are even said to have the power to ward off illness and evil spirits. Goldfish are often seen during summer festivals, where visitors try to scoop them up using an easily-breakable net in a fun game with family and friends.

     

    Goldfish became popular during the Edo period and were considered to be lucky creatures capable of bringing happiness into one’s home and bringing financial fortune. 

    If you’re heading to Saitama, why not add these intricate goshuin to your book?

  • Izu, the Setting for Laid-Back Camp, Now Offering Travel Plans

    24.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    JR Tokai Tours has released a new travel plan for fans of Laid-Back Camp Season 2, which aired from January to March 2021. The tour will take place in the Izu area, which was heavily featured in episodes 10, 11, and 12. Guests can enjoy a travel plan with single lodging and original goods starting May 23 until June 29, 2022.

    Original Stickers

     

    The slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ.

     

    Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The series is based on the author Afro’s personal experiences and interviews, and since serialization in 2015, the series has attracted fans from around the world. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021.


    Four years after it was announced in 2018, a Laid-Back Camp animated film will arrive in theaters this summer.

  • EMOCAL, a Project to Support Japanese Regions, Releases Music Using Local Sound Samples

    14.May.2022 | MUSIC / SPOT

    The EMOCAL project aims to support small-town areas of Japan. As a new initiative in the project, specific soundscapes only found in certain areas of the country have been combined with music to create some unique tracks. A selection of musical artists have collaborated with the project to bring these songs to life!

     


    EMOCAL was created by ZOWA’s original label, CatchyStuck. The project supports local regions and communities by using ASMR soundscape videos recorded in each region to convey their particular charms to all of Japan. The sounds recorded in each place are considered to be very valuable and are intended to serve two purposes: to bring tourism back after the pandemic and to provide fans of ASMR a way to experience these areas from afar.



    Check out each of these unique ambient tracks created by four up-and-coming musicians! Each song is available on viviON’s ASMR platform ZOWA and on Spotify.

     

    Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture / Ikkyuu x Hige Driver, I Love Ikkyuu

    Beard Driver created this ambient track with sounds recorded inside of Ikkyuu, a ramen shop.

    ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20019
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1RP4RcpJwMrFzoYQbnfDYm?si=f1f1e816adb14db0

     

    Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture / Miyuki no Hama x Powerless, Seiren

    Powerless created this track, inspired by the sounds of waves crashing at Miyuki no Hama, a seaside recreation area 20 minutes from Odawara Station.

    ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20016
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5DkQ9FeM7jQBacUf7Nbuxc?si=c7d771e73ddd44b6

     

     

    Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture / Wasabi Field x baker, On the silent hill

    Utogi in Shizuoka city is surrounded by incredible nature. Known as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation, baker used sounds recorded in the area to create this ambient track.

    ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20017
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0oIU4x7MjVKmpouRwEPaXZ?si=04dcb805cea540b7

     

    Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture / Cape Tara x SeA0, Akushu

    Cape Tara is a popular spot featuring an 800-meter-long sandbar at low tide. The sounds captured here were used by artist SeA0, and this track is sure to make you miss the water.

    ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20018
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1Utz5j0oB4GmSDOMVdUcXU?si=eafa1949b3ea44d0

  • Shoujuin Temple and THE THOUSAND KYOTO Collaborate on Special Afternoon Tea

    02.May.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    THE THOUSAND KYOTO hotel will begin selling a special afternoon tea set in conjunction with the Buddhist Temple Shoujuin on May 9, 2022. These scrumptious treats can be enjoyed at the hotel’s second-floor cafe and bar TEA AND BAR until July 15.

    This offering was made with the thought of escaping the summer heat in mind. Customers can enjoy eight kinds of sweet and savory dishes, from quiche and salmon sandwiches to scones with honey and sweet bean paste.

     

    Souvenirs

    Kanouhimo

    Sange

     

    The entrance to the cafe will also be transformed to reflect the majesty of Shoujuin Temple.

     

    The early summer scenery will be captured with majestic hydrangeas, which will surround guests and prove the perfect background for photos.


    Guests can also go home with two traditional souvenirs. Both the kanouhimo and sange are lucky charms typically available at Shoujuin on holidays.

  • Banyan Tree Rooftop Bar Opens on Japan’s Southernmost Island

    30.March.2022 | SPOT

    The Banyan Tree Rooftop Bar, located at Hoshino Resort Risonare Kohamajima on Japan’s southernmost island, is holding a special stargazing event until April 20, 2022. Visitors can enjoy a cocktail as they gaze at the countless twinkling stars overhead.

     

    Kohama Island is located within the Yaeyama Islands. With a warm climate, it’s comfortable to spend long hours outside, even at night. Kohamajima was also the first island in Japan to be protected by the IDA (International Darkness Association), meaning that no bright manmade lights can interfere with stargazing. Visitors can see 84 of 88 constellations! 

     

    Enjoy a Boundless Starry Sky

    The Banyan Tree Terrace will bring guests together to feel the sea breeze and taste colorful mojitos as they enjoy the pleasant weather. Why not spend a relaxing time in a fantastic space lit with faintly glowing candles as you stargaze?

     

    Taste Colorful Mojitos

    A limited number of colorful mojitos will be available at a bar counter set up on the terrace for this event only. You can also enjoy Okinawan original mojitos with made with Okinawa lime, brown sugar instead of sugar, non-alcoholic mojitos for children, and tropical fruit mojitos with pineapple and passion fruit.

     

    Munch on Snacks Perfect to Pair with Cocktails

    Guests can also enjoy a snack set with salty nuts perfect for enjoying with alcohol!

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Collaborates with Popular Shimane Manju for LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project

    18.March.2022 | FOOD / MUSIC / SPOT

    Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her major label debut, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is staying active in 2022. In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the “LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project” was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities, and has been attracting major attention. Kyary’s tour made it to Shimane on March 12, and the details of her next collaboration have been revealed!

    Kyary will be teaming up with Nakaura Foods and their delicious local delicacy Dojou Sukui Manju. Known as the representative treat of the San’in region, the name is a reference to the mask worn during local performances of the Yasugibushi folk song. The steamed buns were developed by Nakaura Foods in 1967 and have been loved by locals ever since. In the 2000s, the company began experimenting with new flavors by teaming up with other local creators.

     

    The company’s logo is being reimagined for the project, inspired by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 2013 Furisodeshon music video. 

    The name of the popular product has also been changed to Kyary Sukui Manju! Each box has a pop design and would make a perfect souvenir for Kyary fans.

    A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. A special LINE collaboration is also underway, and 50 people who order the new Kyary-themed treats from the official Nakaura Foods online store will be entered to win a shirt!

RANKING

  • DAILY
  • MONTHLY

FOLLOW US