New Year is just around the corner! Ready to welcome it in an ultra-cool way? Join me on a journey to experience Japan’s Hatsumode (初詣), or the first shrine visit of the year! But we’re not just visiting any place, we’re heading to those mysterious Shinto shrines! Picture this – surrounded by ancient torii gates amid lush trees, listening to tales of the shrine’s history. Each shrine has its own unique culture and style. Imagine yourself in an ancient shrine, lanterns painting the night sky, and the divine spirits feeling the arrival of the New Year. This magical atmosphere will deepen your appreciation for Japanese culture. Let’s embark on this adventure together, unveiling the mystery of Hatsumode, exploring these trendy shrine destinations. Are you ready?

What is Hatsumode?

Hatsumode is a traditional Japanese activity where people visit shrines at the beginning of the new year.

The most crucial aspect of Hatsumode is making New Year’s wishes to the divine spirits! You’ll witness many earnest individuals praying sincerely at the shrine, seeking peace and prosperity for the upcoming year. If you have a wish you want to fulfill, this is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss.

Hatsumode is undeniably one of Japan’s most anticipated activities during the New Year. In essence, it involves visiting shrines or temples at the start of the new year, hoping for a year of peace and prosperity. This traditional event typically takes place between January 1st and January 3rd and is considered a significant ritual for families to participate in together. People dress formally and head to their local shrines or temples to partake in the ritual of prayer. The traditional purposes of Hatsumode include praying for good luck, health, and success in one’s endeavors for the new year, while also expressing gratitude and worship for the past year.

During Hatsumode, shrines and temples usually organize various activities such as fortune-telling, shrine markets, and special religious ceremonies. People also buy amulets and charms, believing in their sacred power to protect the worshiper’s well-being and happiness. Famous shrines like Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto attract large crowds of worshipers every year.

This is not just about praying for smooth sailing but also a traditional cultural celebration. As the year-end approaches, Japan gears up for a grand celebration, and the shrines are illuminated, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Kyoto Hatsumode Spots

Kiyomizu-dera: Mystical Worship on the Hilltop

Let’s kick off our Kyoto adventure with the mystical Kiyomizu-dera! Stepping in here feels like traveling back in time to an ancient sacred place. Come and experience the atmosphere of this shrine that overlooks the Kyoto cityscape! It’s a magnificent structure, attracting millions of worshippers each New Year, all praying for a smooth and successful year ahead!

Kiyomizu-dera is not only a sacred place but also offers a panoramic view of the entire Kyoto city. During the Hatsumode season every year, it becomes extraordinarily lively, making it a charming destination. Don’t forget to enjoy the fresh air at the mountaintop, elevating not just your spirits but your soul too!

Yasaka Shrine: Sacred Elegance in the Ancient Capital

If you find yourself in Kyoto, don’t miss the “Yasaka Shrine”! Located in the vicinity of Gion and adjacent to Maruyama Park, it is one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines. Every year-end and New Year, grand performances and celebrations take place here, including the Hatsuho-sai on January 1st, Genshi-sai, Hatsu-no-honmatsu, and the Omikuji-hajime ritual on January 3rd, attracting countless visitors and locals. The year-end “Okera-mairi” is also well-known. The shrine has many subsidiary shrines and attached shrines, with various deities bestowing blessings. As the gate is never closed, you can also visit at night.

Entering Yasaka Shrine feels like stepping into ancient Kyoto. Visitors adorned in traditional kimono, intricate architecture, and painted stone steps within the shrine exude the traditional beauty of Japan. The nighttime transforms the shrine into a radiant spectacle, creating a mysterious yet lively atmosphere throughout.

Tokyo Hatsumode Spots

Tokyo Meiji Shrine: Urban Spiritual Retreat

The “Meiji Shrine” in Tokyo is situated within the lush greenery and serene lakes of the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden, offering an excellent escape from the urban hustle.

Built in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most renowned shrines. As the year comes to an end, it consistently draws a multitude of worshippers, seeking blessings for the upcoming New Year. Surrounded by towering trees and majestic torii gates, the entire site exudes a sense of holiness, making it a worthwhile destination.

Tokyo Asakusa Senso-ji Temple: Blessings for Edo Commoners

How can one visit Tokyo without experiencing Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa? Especially during New Year’s Hatsumode, the entire area in front of the Thunder Gate is bustling with a vibrant market atmosphere. At midnight on New Year’s Day, the bell tower on Benten-yama rings for “Joya-no-kane,” eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the crowds of worshippers. Senso-ji Temple is like a radiant gem in Tokyo, waiting for you to explore!

There’s a unique atmosphere here, and the entire area in front of the Thunder Gate is filled with numerous food stalls, allowing you to savor delicious treats while immersing yourself in the lively Hatsumode atmosphere. Senso-ji Temple is truly an amazing place and is undoubtedly one of your must-visit spots in Tokyo!

Kanda Myojin Shrine: Enclave of Spiritual Solace

Kanda Myojin Shrine, located near Akihabara in the Tokyo Metropolis, is a historically rich and mysteriously atmospheric sacred site. Despite being nestled in a bustling metropolis, the shrine’s tranquility and serenity make you feel as if you’ve entered a sanctuary for the soul.

The shrine’s divine powers cover aspects such as thriving business, warding off misfortune, matchmaking, and prayers for victory. The Kanda Matsuri, held every two years in mid-May, is renowned as one of Japan’s three major festivals. Following the New Year’s Eve festival, the first ceremony of the year, the Saitan-sai, takes place at midnight on New Year’s Day. With the opening of the Soreisha gate, residents, neighborhood association members, and devotees pray for peace, prosperity, and good fortune throughout the coming year.

Hatsumode Spots in Other Regions

【Nara】Todai-ji Temple: Guardian of the World’s Largest Vajra Guardian

When in Nara, you can’t miss Todai-ji Temple! It’s a treasure trove with the world’s largest standing statue of Vajra Guardian. Despite the solemn expression on the face of this guardian, the temple is crowded with worshippers during Hatsumode. The Hatsumode experience in Nara is truly one-of-a-kind!

The atmosphere here is exceptionally unique, and the architecture is quite ancient. During Hatsumode, Todai-ji is always bustling with crowds, as everyone prays for a peaceful and prosperous new year. It’s undoubtedly a place where ancient history and modern vibrancy coexist!

【Kanagawa】Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: Confluence of History and Mystery

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is a shrine steeped in history and mystery. Known for its ancient architecture and beautiful gardens, the shrine provides a spiritual sanctuary for many worshippers.

Stepping into Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, you’ll feel the rich historical ambiance. Here, you can experience the unique charm of an ancient shrine and find peace for your soul. The shrine has various places for prayers, catering to wishes for success in one’s career, academics, health, and family. Worshippers can express their wishes here, anticipating the blessings of the deities. The sacred atmosphere of the shrine enhances the sincerity of your prayers. From New Year’s Day to the 7th, the shrine hosts the “Gohanto” ceremony, where worshippers receive a divine seal on their foreheads, praying for health, dispelling misfortune, and other blessings. During this period, the shrine becomes exceptionally lively, attracting numerous worshippers.

Surrounding Tsurugaoka Hachimangu are some breathtaking attractions like the Great Buddha of Kamakura and Enoshima. After your visit, take a stroll through these historically significant places to experience the unique charm of Kanagawa.

【Sapporo】Hokkaido Shrine: Sacred Blessings in the Snow

When winter comes to Hokkaido, a visit to the Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo is a must! The shrine in the snow exudes a particularly sacred atmosphere, with the annual Hatsumode offering a breathtaking sight of falling snowflakes. Here, you can feel the blessings of the pure snow, making it a warm and sacred Hatsumode destination!

The Hatsumode atmosphere in Sapporo is uniquely special, embracing the cold yet filled with warmth. The shrine’s ancient architecture looks exceptionally beautiful against the backdrop of snow, making it an ideal place to experience the winter charm of Hokkaido!

Each of these Hatsumode spots has its own charm, offering a unique Hatsumode experience. Whether it’s the mystique of the mountains, the vibrancy of the city, or the tranquility by the lakeside, each place has its own story waiting for you to discover. In the new year, let’s embark on the Hatsumode journey together, welcoming our own good fortune and blessings!