Before entering a shrine, one comes across a large communal water pavilion known as a temizuya. They are used to cleanse the body and the mind.
To be cleansed, one has to pick up a hishaku ladle resting on the temizuya with the right hand and fill it with water. Pour some of the water over the left hand and switch hands. Then, cleanse the mouth. To do so, fill your cupped left hand with water and bring it to your mouth. Finally use the rest of the water to rinse the handle by bringing slowly the ladle up side down.