first visit of the year to a shrine

Hatsumode: New Year’s Tradition in Japan

At the beginning of the new year, large crowds of people flock to the shrines or temples in Japan. That’s an important annual tradition called Hatsumode , paying a visit to a shrine or temple to appreciate the last year’s health and happiness and to pray for another good year. Regardless of their religions and beliefs, hatsumode is a quite popular event on the New Year’s holidays . But why do people do hatsumode? Where to visit? This article will cover all the questions you might come up with about hatsumode. 

What is Hatsumode (初詣)?

Hatsumode can be done on the later dates, hatsumode also can be done online, draw omikuji , get lucky charms (omamori, ofuda and hamaya), kanda shrine – business prosperity, yushima tenmangu – academic success, tokyo daijingu for love, 5 most visited shrines and temples during hatsumode in kanto region, fun facts about hatsumode, other articles you may like.

In the first days of the new year, many people visit a Shinto shrine or in some cases a Buddhist temple. This first visit of the year is known as Hatsumōde (初詣) and is done to say thanks for last year and pray for fortune for the new year to deities. It literally means “the first ( hatsu ) shrine visit ( mode )”, so in essence hatsumode is to visit a shrine (or temple) to pray for good luck for the new year.

Many shrines and temples organise Hatsumode festivities during the first few days of the year, especially on January 1st. At the popular shrines and temples you can experience a festive atmosphere with food stands and many people lining up for a prayer at the main hall, purchasing lucky charms for a fortunate new year and disposing of their lucky charms of the past year.

How to do Hatsumode during COVID-19

Many things have changed since the pandemic started, and the style of this annual tradition has changed too. Usually tens of thousands of people visit the shrine or temple for hatsumode, but it’s not recommended at all to prevent COVID-19 infection. Instead, shrines and temples started the new style of hatsumode and here is how. 

Some popular shrines open the special section offering the good luck charms for hatsumode at an earlier date than usual, and some open until March. Technically anytime of the first visit in the new year is hatsumode, so there’s no strict rule about visiting a shrine on the first days of New Year. So doing hatsumode on the later date is strongly recommended. Also, some changes had been made on the rules and customs of visiting a shrine. Chozuya , the water basin where people clean their hands to purify before praying at the main hall of a shrine, is closed. Omikuji is a popular thing to do to test your luck for a new year, but to avoid contact infection, some shrines have QR codes instead of drawing a stick that matches the omikuji paper. Scan the QR code and the number will be shown on the screen, then you can get the omikuji paper at the booth.

Some shrines even open the website page for online hatsumode. There’s a mailing service where you can receive your lucky charms at home without actually visiting the shrine.  You can try your luck with omikuji at the online page as well.

How to do Hatsumode 

Generally people visit their local shrine or their family temple for hatsumode but recently more people are not religious, thus people tend to visit a popular shrine or temple. There are some differences in how to pray at the shrine and temple. If you don’t know how to pray, we have this article to explain how to pay a visit properly at a shrine. 

If you decided to visit a temple, read this article on how to pray at the Buddhist temple: How to pay a visit at temples 

Omikuji is a paper slip that tells your fortune that you can do at a shrine or temple, and since it’s the beginning of the year, it’s a popular thing to do to test your luck at hatsumode. 

There are some different kinds of omikuji but the simplest one is just drawing the paper slip from the box. Cute animal omikuji are available at some shrines as well and you can keep the ornament at home. Some places like Sensoji have an omikuji where you will draw a stick with a number first, and then get a paper slip from the drawers that matches its number. 

There are usually seven categories to tell you luck, and 大吉(daikichi) is the best of luck and 大凶(daikyo) is the worst. The omikuji slip includes the luck of the year and some advice on several aspects of life such as your overall wish, marriage, business, travel, academics and so on. If your result is bad, it’s common to tie the slip on the strings that can be found at the site. 

Recommended: What is Omikuji?: Complete Guide to Japanese Fortune Slip

Omamori is a lucky charm that is believed to protect you and help your wish come true. Get an omamori depending on your wish or need for protection, for example, marriage, safe travel, good health and academics etc.  After one year has passed, it’s common to give the omamori back to the shrine with gratitude, and it will be burned in a sacred fire afterwards. 

Ofuda is a talisman or amulet to put at home. Together with omamori, it’s common to get a new one for the new year. It’s equivalent to the spirits of the deities at the shrine, so it is treated like welcoming a part of the deity’s spirit to the household. It is carefully placed at the altar, and will be an object to daily worship. 

Hamaya is another amulet that you can get from hatsumode. It’s an arrow that literally means piercing evil spirits. It’s common to place it at the altar together with ofuda. It’s originally coming from the old fortune telling where people compete their year’s luck for the harvest with shooting an arrow. You also need to return it after a year has passed.

Which shrine should you visit for Hatsumode?

While many Japanese people visit a local or the nearest popular shrine or temple for the first worship, some choose it depending on their wishes for the coming year or what they are thankful for from last year. It is said there are unlimited numbers of deities for Shintoism, the indigenous Japanese religion and each shrine has a unique deity. For example, deities of money, love, study, health, business and so on. So depending on what you wish for, decide on which shrine you should visit. Let’s find the best shrine for you in Tokyo!

This shrine has been worshiped for a long time and it has a history of more than 1.300 year. One of the deities is a god of business prosperity. Many people living in  Nihonbashi, Marunouchi, Tsukiji and Akihabara visit this shrine in particular. Every year, more than 300,000 people visit the shrine for Hatsumode.

Kanda Shrine 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo Access: Ochanomizu station or Akihabara station or Suehirocho station

If you have important exams coming up, you should visit Yushima Tenmangu. It is said that the god of the shrine would listen to wishes about study. In Japan, the National Test Center for university admissions usually starts around the second half of January. Therefore, many students go to the shrine and wish they will pass the exams. Their ema wishing boards are full of wishes of students. Buying a lucky charm for study would be a good present for examinees. Every year, more than 350,000 people visit the shrine known as Yushima Tenmangu.

Yushima Tenmangu 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyō, Tokyo Access: Yushima station, Hirokoji station or JR Okachimachi station http://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/index.htm  (Japanese only)

The deity of this shrine handle is said to handle all wishes that include love, therefore a popular place for single people. It is said that ‘if you worship the deity of Tokyo Daijingu, you will get a boyfriend, a girlfriend or a fiancé’. Often Japanese traditional wedding ceremonies are often held in the shrine, who would not want to start off their marriage with good love-luck?

To increase the chances of your wishes for a happy love life coming true at Tokyo Daijingu, here is some free advice: 1. Visit early morning – When it is busy, the deity cannot concentrate on your wishes. 2. Do your wish not only at “Tokyo Daijingu” but also “Iitomi Inari Shrine”. 3. Relax at a pond named “Seseragi no Ike”, this should help with anxiety and a negative mind.

Tokyo Daijingu 2-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda, Tokyo Japan Access: Iidabashi station http://www.tokyodaijingu.or.jp/english/index.html

1. Meiji Shrine (3.2 million people) 2. Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple (3.1 million people) 3. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (3 million people) 4. Senso-ji Temple (2.8 million people) 5. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (2.7 million people)

Miko is a shrine maiden wearing the iconic red hakama with a white kimono. You probably recognize them from anime. But one of the most popular part time jobs during New Year’s holidays is working as miko. During hatsumode, it’s the busiest time of the year for popular shrines, and many university students tend to work as a miko to help them offer the lucky charms for visitors. Of course there is a full-time miko but sometimes during New Year, some temporarily part-time miko can be seen.

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Hatsumode: Experiencing Your First Shrine Visit in the New Year

What does the word “New Year” mean to you? In some cultures, the first thoughts that come to mind might be watching fireworks, or going to a party. For others, the date means visiting family, or making a yearly resolution. For many Japanese, the New Year is synonymous with “hatsumode,” the first shrine visit of the year. For hatsumode, people in Japan visit shrines and temples during the first three days of the year, waiting patiently in long lines to begin their New Year with good fortune.

Where to Pray: A Shinto Shrine or Buddhist Temple?

Shinto shrines are most commonly visited for this occasion, but Buddhist temples are popular as well. As Japanese cultural celebrations use elements of both Shinto and Buddhist traditions, both Shinto Shrines (“jinja”) and Buddhist temples (“otera”) are popular places to ring in the New Year. Both places of worship can get extremely crowded, especially on the evening of December 31st, starting from a few hours before the stroke of midnight – even more so at famous spots. It is customary to visit a shrine or temple for such New Year’s prayer within the period called “Matsunouchi,” ending on January the 7th.

The Japanese did not always celebrate the New Year on January first. Long ago, they followed the Chinese lunar calendar, and as such, celebrated the start of the year a bit later in the season . In 1873, five years after the Meiji Restoration, Japan officially adopted the Gregorian calendar, from which time they began celebrating New Year’s Day on the first of January, known in Japanese as “ganjitsu” or “gantan.” However, some of the old traditions of the lunar calendar are still celebrated a bit later in the month, as part of an unofficial holiday called “koshogatsu,” Japan’s “little new year.”

Ringing in the New Year–Literally

Visitors wait patiently in long lines at shrines and temples in order to ring the bell and offer a New Year’s prayer. While this act can be performed on any day throughout the year, hatsumode is considered to be a particularly important time to make a prayer - and depending on whether you visit a shrine or a temple , the procedure is slightly different. To pray at a shrine , you should first ring the bell if there is one, then put a coin into the offertory box. Next, follow the rule of "2 bows, 2 claps, prayer, 1 bow" to complete the ritual. In a temple , ring the bell after bowing one time before putting money in the offertory box. Then, pray with your hands pressed together in front of your chest. Mind that opposed to Shinto shrines , there’s no clapping at a Buddhist temple .

Traditional Dress

If Hatsumode falls on a sunny day, it is common to wear fine clothes for the New Year’s temple or shrine visit to pay your respect to the enshrined deity. Thus, it is a time when both women and men can be seen wearing kimono. New Year’s is a great occasion to step out in traditional Japanese clothing. However, it is by no means necessary. Daring international visitors may want to try wearing one for themselves, or they can simply enjoy viewing them on passers-by.

Buy “Omamori”: Lucky Charms

For many people in Japan, a trip to a shrine is not complete without purchasing one of the lucky charms available. This is especially recommended to visitors to Japan, for anyone interested in taking home a souvenir that is both culturally significant and very affordable. This is great chance to buy “omamori,” a traditional Japanese lucky charm. It is a small pouch made out of cloth that contains a small object called a “naifu,” made from paper, wood, cloth, or metal, with a sacred text or sutra inscribed on it. Embroidered in the center of the charm is the name of the shrine . It is a customary to bring old omamori from the previous year back to the shrine to be ceremonially burned. The omamori usually come in a variety of different colors symbolizing the type of luck it will bring. Popular omamori include those for luck in wealth, health , and love.

Find Your Fortune with “Omikuji”

In addition to omamori, there are fortunes and good luck charms that can be purchased at shrines and temples . These fortunes are called “omikuji.” They come in the form of paper strips. Traditionally, fortunes of good luck fortunes are kept, as they describe in detail the recipient’s luck in the year to come. And fortunes reading bad luck can be tied to a tree branch or a designated area, so that any bad misfortune that has been predicted can be left at the shrine . The omikuji is not just supposed to act as a fortune telling paper, however. Moreover, it should be regarded as a piece of advice, much like a compass needle of fate, to give you small pointers in your day to day life.

Make a Wish on an “Ema”

If you are really adamant about ensuring your future success, you may want to purchase an “ema.” Ema are wooden plaques onto which you are meant to write your wish or hope for the upcoming year. Ema will often be decorated with auspicious Shinto symbols, and some will be unique to a particular shrine . Originally, the ema started out as a wooden plate with a picture of a horse, deriving from a custom that revolved around offering live horses to a deity. Once you have written your wish in your language of choice, you should hang it in the place provided at the shrine .

Hatsumode is one of the most exciting and meaningful New Year’s traditions in Japan. Whether you live in Japan or are just visiting for the first time, please take the chance to enjoy this unique and traditional Shogatsu custom for an experience you’ll never forget!

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Hatsumode: Usher in Good Luck at a Shrine or Temple on New Year’s

Hatsumode refers to the first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year. Learn about the customs that people observe on an annual hatsumode visit. Plus, its connection to ushering in good luck with the arrival of the new year!

Hatsumode describes the Japanese tradition of first visiting a shrine or temple in the new year. Annually, people pray in the hopes of having a good year blessed with luck. The act of visiting a shrine or temple for prayer is called "sanpai" in Japanese.

When Is Hatsumode Observed?

Photo by Pixta There are various opinions regarding when is the best time to go for hatsumode . Some people make their first visit to a sacred site on January 1 . Others believe it's alright to visit anytime from January 1 to January 3 or from January 1 to January 7.

While it is generally accepted that hatsumode is carried out on the first day of the new year, the reality is that popular shrines are extremely crowded. It's become common for shrine or temple-goers to avoid this particular day due to the massive crowds.

What Do People Do during Hatsumode?

Visiting a shrine or a temple.

Photo by Pixta

The basic rules for hatsumode are the same, whether you're visiting a small local place of worship or a famous site such as Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. The steps and etiquette are not difficult, so please check out the following articles for reference.

How to Properly Pray at a Japanese Temple

How to Properly Pay Respects at a Japanese Shrine

The Offering of Old Charms and Amulets

Ueno / Asakusa / Akihabara

Ema: Wooden Wishing Plaques

Photo by Pixta Writing your wishes on a wooden plaque called ema , which is found at shrines, will have them granted.

Draw Your Fortune

When visiting a shrine for hatsumode, you can draw an omikuji fortune-telling paper to learn how much luck you'll have in relationships, health, finances, career, and other areas of your life.

Omikuji - Japanese Fortune Slips

Purchase a Lucky Charm

Various lucky charms can be purchased at temples and shrines. Items such as Hama-ya (a decorative arrow allegedly possessing the power to destroy evil), a yakuyoke amulet to ward off evil, and other talismans are commonly sold and purchased.

Popular Hatsumode Destinations

Meiji shrine.

Photo from Meiji Jingu: A Historical Shrine in Tokyo's Harajuku District

Meiji Shrine is arguably the most popular hatsumode destination in Tokyo. Visitors line up in the middle of the night on New Year's Eve to usher in another year on these sacred grounds.

The shrine is located in the Harajuku area within walking distance from Shibuya and Shinjuku Station. Even if you go in the middle of the night on New Year's Eve, the area is pretty safe since thousands of people will be visiting the shrine. We highly recommend it as a hatsumode destination for those in the Tokyo area on New Year's Eve.

Sensoji Temple

Photo from Sensoji Temple: The Highlights of Tokyo's Oldest Temple

Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa district is another favorite hatsumode destination. The guardian deity of Sensoji is said to grant wishes related to success in one's career and finances. This is why the temple attracts a crowd on January 1. But if you enjoy festive atmospheres, you'll surely like visiting Sensoji Temple at the start of the year.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Photo from Fukuoka's Famous Shrine, Dazaifu Tenmangu - A Complete Guide

Tenmangu are shrines dedicated to Tenjin: the guardian deity of learning. There are Tenmangu shrines across Japan, but a particularly famous one is Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture. Visitors nationwide come here annually for hatsumode, especially students who have important exams in the new year. It is believed that Tenjin will grant the wishes related to academic success.

We highly recommend visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu for the new year festivities if you are in the Kyushu region.

Izumo Taisha

As the shrine where gods gather once a year, Izumo Taisha has been an important center of Japanese spirituality for centuries. Many people select it as their first shrine visit of the year. This is especially true for those looking to improve their luck in relationships because the guardian deities of Izumo Taisha are closely associated with marriage.

In Conclusion

Even if you are not religious, you can participate in hatsumode since the event is public and open to anyone. To show respect when visiting a shrine or a temple, please wear formal attire and refrain from talking loudly. If you can celebrate the new year in Japan, why not wish for another prosperous one by giving hatsumode a try?

Japanese Religion: Differences Between Temples And Shrines

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The New Year’s Essentials In Japan

The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

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Hatsumode: Your First Shrine or Temple Visit of the Year

You might have read about Japanese New Year traditions , one of which is hatsumode , the first temple or shrine visit of the year. Here’s more on this custom—and some suggestions for where to experience it for yourself.

Hatsumode is typically done between January 1st-3rd; any visit later than the first week of January (or the New Year holidays) isn’t typically thought of as hatsumode anymore. Japan has countless temples and shrines, so you don’t have to go to the popular places (which will most likely be crowded anyway); just visiting your local neighborhood shrine will do.

But in case you wanted to visit one of the popular choices and/or you want to do some traveling around Japan, here are some recommended places to visit, in no particular order. They’re known for being “power spots”—understood as sacred places brimming with mystical, spiritual energy.

1. Ise Grand Shrine (Mie Prefecture)

Considered Japan’s holiest Shinto shrine, Ise Grand Shrine consists of the Inner Shrine, where the sun goddess Amaterasu is enshrined, and the Outer Shrine, which is dedicated to Toyouke, the goddess of agriculture, industry, and life’s daily necessities. They’re a few kilometers apart from each other, so it’s best to start with the Outer Shrine (which can be reached in about 5 minutes on foot from Ise-shi Station), then take a bus to the Inner Shrine.

So sacred and important is this shrine that the chief priest or priestess must come from the Japanese Imperial Family. The shrine premises and its architecture may look simple and minimalist, but considering this shrine’s history, how the Sacred Mirror that was handed down to Amaterasu’s grandson is said to be housed there, and the fact that this complex has around 125 smaller shrines, you probably can’t get more spiritual energy elsewhere in Japan.

2. Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture)

For anything love-related, whether it’s looking for the one, saving a troubled relationship, or hoping to march down the aisle soon, this is the place to go. It’s 5 minutes from Izumo Taisha-mae Station.

Like Ise Grand Shrine, this is a place with plenty of history; it’s one of Japan’s most ancient shrines. Okininushi, the Shinto god of love and marriage, is enshrined here, but since this shrine is also very sacred, it’s said that on the tenth month of the lunar calendar (which would usually be November), Japan’s 8 million deities gather here to talk about people’s fates for the upcoming year.

When paying your respects here, it’s said that you have to clap four times instead of the usual two, because you’re also praying on behalf of your partner in life (even though s/he hasn’t come into the picture yet!). Read about what to do at temples and shrines .

3. Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima Prefecture)

Known for its famous torii in the water (said to be one of Japan’s most beautiful views), this shrine on Itsukushima island (also known as Miyajima ) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire complex is built over water, and locals try to maintain its purity by not allowing any births or deaths to take place on the island—pregnant women approaching birth or those at death’s door have to leave for the mainland. At high tide, the seemingly floating torii is a sight to behold, but at low tide, you can get a closer view of the torii, if there’s any consolation for missing a scenic sight.

4. Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto Prefecture)

This is one of Japan’s most popular temples, as far as tourists are concerned. There are a lot of reasons for this temple to be crowded: cherry blossom season, autumn leaves, and of course— hatsumode . It’s got a rich history and has several legends associated with it .

With its famous Otowa Waterfall, which has three different streams of water for three different kinds of luck (longevity, academic success, and love), it’s no wonder people see this as a great place to kick off the new year.

5. Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka Prefecture)

This shrine is one of the top hatsumode choices in Japan, seeing millions of visitors each year. It is the head Sumiyoshi shrine; Sumiyoshi shrines enshrine the three gods of sailing and the seas, and there are over 2,000 of them around Japan. Such shrines—Sumiyoshi Taisha being no exception—tend to have a distinctive architecture called Sumiyoshi-zukuri , characterized by, among others, straight rather than curved roofs.

Sumiyoshi Shrine is a short walk from Sumiyoshitaisha, Sumiyoshikoen, or Sumiyoshitoriimae Station.

6. Mt. Koya (Wakayama Prefecture)

As a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, this mountain is dotted with temples, so just being here, you will most likely feel the holiness.

From January 1-3 at 9 am, Shusho-e, a ceremony for world peace, prosperity, and the continued flourishing of Buddhism is performed at Okunoin’s Torodo (Lantern Hall) and Garan’s Kondo (Golden Hall). There is another Shusho-e on the 5th at Garan’s Daito (Great Pagoda). More details .

Other, smaller temples might have their own ceremonies and rituals as well; the first Goma fire ritual of the year is a thing for some temples.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in December, 2015. Last updated December, 2019.

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Hatsumode: How to Celebrate the Japanese New Year

• by tsunagu Local
• December 23, 2020

Hatsumode is the Japanese tradition of visiting a shrine or temple to welcome the new year. If you’re in Japan during the holidays, it’s a cultural experience that definitely shouldn’t be missed! This article will explain what hatsumode is, teach you how to take part in the tradition, and introduce some of the most popular places to go to experience it!

Hatsumode: The Japanese Way to Ring In the New Year

To many Japanese people, welcoming in the new year takes precedence over all other holidays in terms of importance. There are many unique practices and customs that occur towards the end of the year, all with curious origins and backstories, but perhaps the most important and well-known tradition is called “Hatsumode.” Today, we will be looking at this fun and sacred practice, which consists of visiting a shrine or temple to ring in the new year.

What Exactly is Hatsumode?

As mentioned in the intro, hatsumode is, simply put, the first shrine or temple visit of the new year in Japan. But wait, temples and shrines are for different religions (Buddhism and Shintoism), right? Is it really okay to go to either one? The answer is yes, and we’ll get to the reason why a bit further down. Suffice it to say, the purpose of Hatsumode is to give thanks to the divine for making it safely through another year and to pray for good fortune in the new year.

So is it ok to just visit any temple or shrine in the new year and call it hatsumode? Well, sort of, but it is a little more nuanced than that. Typically, hatsumode is performed between midnight on New Year’s Eve and the third day of the calendar year (January 1st to January 3rd).

Having said that, the first time you visit a shrine or a temple in the New Year (even if you put it off until August) is technically still considered hatsumode. This is because there is no official rule regarding the window of time for hatsumode (the kanji literally just mean “first visit to pray”). However, most people do perform hatsumode during the first three days of the year, and there is a special atmosphere that can only be enjoyed during this period. 

During hatsumode, the grounds of many shrines and temples fill up with stalls selling treats and goodies, giving it a festival-like energy that is quite fun. Another thing that makes hatsumode special is that both men and women use it as an excuse to dress up in traditional kimono! It makes for quite a sight with throngs of people decked out in their “New Year’s best.” In fact, it’s rather rare to see men dress in kimono in public nowadays, so it’s a great opportunity to witness this traditional display. In places like Kyoto, where it is possible to rent a kimono for the day, you could even join in on the dress-up fun. 

How to Perform Hatsumode

Aside from the timing, there are a few other elements that set hatsumode apart from a regular shrine or temple visit. However, the basic practice of walking up to the main hall, making an offering, and saying a prayer is the same. If you are not accustomed to visiting shrines or temples and don’t know the protocol, please make sure to have a look at this article from our sister site, Tsunagu Japan:  The Differences Between Praying at Shrines and Temples in Japan . Even if you have visited shrines and temples in Japan before, it might be a good idea to brush up on your etiquette (and maybe you’ll even learn something new). If you are uncertain what to pray for, since “good luck” is quite a nebulous term, it is actually recommended that you avoid asking for anything at all during your prayer. Rather, you should just give thanks and show your respect to the local deity (be they Buddha or a Shinto god) and the gods will take care of the rest!

Why It’s Okay to Visit Either a Shrine or Temple

Even though Buddhism and Shintoism are two different religions, the Japanese tradition of hatsumode can be performed at either temples (Buddhist) or shines (Shinto). The reason is that, for the majority of Japanese history, the line between Buddhism and Shintoism was vague, and oftentimes the worship of the Buddha and kami (Shinto gods) could actually be performed in the same location.

Thus, hatsumode, the origins of which can be traced back to the Heian period (794–1185), was performed at either temples or shrines indiscriminately.

This all changed in 1868, when the new Meiji government decided to strongly promote an image of Shintoism as the one true Japanese religion. Buddhism, with its roots in India, was deemed a “foreign” school of thought, leading to many temples being shut down and Buddhism being shunned by the powers that were.

However, despite the widespread destruction of Buddhist literature and idols, Buddhism ultimately survived when the government abandoned these efforts just 5 years later in 1873. The effects of this short-lived movement remain to this day, however, and created a clear divide between Japan’s predominant religions.

Finding Luck at Hatsumode: Omamori, Omikuji, and Hamaya

The act of hatsumode is finished fairly quickly as it is just a prayer, but getting up to the shrine or temple can take a long time due to the large number of people all visiting at the same time. Having said that, there are loads of fun things to enjoy during your hatsumode visit aside from praying.

Omamori are special good-luck amulets that are said to carry a little bit of divine presence with them. These colorful and ornate charms come in a variety of unique designs depending on the shrine or temple. Although they are available year-round, it is very trendy to buy them during hatsumode as gifts for friends and family to protect against bad luck of all kinds.

There is a catch, however: omamori have an exploration date of about one year, after which the divine power is said to wane. In this case, bring your omamori back to the shrine or temple you got it from originally, and it will be burned as a sign of respect for its help throughout the year. Of course, after you burn your old omamori, you’ll need to buy a new one, and hatsumode is the perfect time to do so!  If you want to learn more about the different kinds of omamori available, check out this article:  Omamori: 8 Lucky Charms To Try in Japan!

Omikuji, or detailed fortune papers, are another element present in temples and shrines year-round. However, with the new year comes new possibilities, and it is customary to get your fortune during hatsumode. While the specifics may vary from shrine to shrine and temple to temple, getting an omikuji usually involves shaking a wooden box filled with numbered sticks until one comes out of a small opening on one end. Look for the corresponding number on the adjacent wooden drawers and pull out your fortune.

Omikuji go into great detail about your fortune in areas like health, love, wealth, and general endeavors. If you get a bad fortune, you can tie it to a wooden rack, which is usually closeby, in the hopes that the gods can manipulate your fate. You can also send off your paper to the gods even if you get a good fortune, as a way to say thanks, but many people choose to keep a good fortune and take it home.

The hamaya (literally translated to “demon breaker arrow”) is another decorative charm available during the new year to ward off bad luck. Traditionally, these arrows were given to celebrate the first new year of a baby boy’s life and came in a set with a demon breaker bow (hamayumi). Now, it is more common to just get the arrow as a proxy for the set and it is seen as a symbol of shooting for the best opportunity in the new year, in addition to being a talisman for family safety.

You can display your hamaya in your home in a number of different ways. While it should be enshrined and displayed in a Kamidana (small Shinto shrine for the home), if you do not have one of these, displaying it as a wall hanging will suffice. As hamaya ward off evil, it’s a good idea to keep it in a place your family spends a lot of time in, like the living room. Otherwise, put it near the entrance to your house to keep bad luck out.  

Where to Perform Hatsumode

While it is possible to perform hatsumode at basically any shrine or temple, if you want to get the most out of the experience, you might want to consider visiting one of the most popular establishments to see what a “standard” hatsumode should feel like.  The following are 5 extremely popular locations in Japan to perform hatsumode.

Ise Jingu (Naiku) [Mie Prefecture]

Located in Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu is considered one of the most important Shinto shrines in all of Japan and is said to enshrine the sun goddess Amaterasu. Some go so far as to call it “the soul of Japan.” Due to Ise Jingu’s prestigious nature, it boasts the honor of being the most popular place to perform hatsumode.

Fushimi Inari Taisha [Kyoto]

Kyoto is home to hundreds of ancient shrines and temples, making it difficult to choose where to go for hatsumode if you’re in the city on New Year’s. However, undoubtedly the most popular hatsumode spot in the city is the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of red torii gates that wind up the mountainside. For hatsumode, there is a special ceremony called “Saitansai” held at the shrine’s main building beginning at 6:00 am on January 1st. Fushimi Inari is also well-known for its fox statues, which are said to be the messengers of Inari, the kami enshrined here. As a result, there are many cute fox-themed omamori available here, so take the opportunity to get a year’s worth of good luck with a crafty twist.

Sumiyoshi Taisha [Osaka]

Not to be outdone by anyone, Osaka also has a famous and popular shrine for hatsumode: Sumiyoshi Taisha. It is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, founded in the 3rd century, and houses kami that look after fishermen and other seafarers, which is perfect for the harbor city of Osaka. In fact, the kami of Sumiyoshi are so popular that there are multiple shrines that share the same name, so make sure you visit “Sumiyoshi Taisha,” which is the main shrine.

Atsuta Jingu [Nagoya]

The most popular hatsumode spot in the Chubu region is Nagoya’s Atsuta Jingu. The history and prestige of Atsuta Jingu are often compared to those of Ise Jingu (the first and most prestigious shrine mentioned above), and the shrine has a backstory that deserves an entire article to itself (think nearly 2000 years of history and an enshrined legendary sword). Suffice it to say, Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine and is considered a must-visit for hatsumode if you are in the Nagoya area.

Meiji Jingu [Tokyo]

Last, but certainly not least, we have Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu. Located only a quick walk from Harajuku Station, you might be surprised to find such a vast tract of natural land in the center of Tokyo. Despite its large area, the crowds for hatsumode are astounding with about 3 million people on average! Meiji Jingu may get crowded for the new year, but it is a great way to feel the spirit of hatsumode in the middle of Japan’s biggest metropolis.

Have a Japanese-Style New Year by Doing Hatsumode!

Hatsumode is a fun way to start the year out on the right foot, garner some good luck, ward off evil spirits, and ultimately visit some beautiful shrines and temples. So get into the spirit of the new year and try out hatsumode for yourself!

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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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Despite the ubiquity of temples and shrines all over the country, the Japanese people tend to hold rather casual spiritual beliefs. However, there is one spiritual event that virtually everyone takes part in at the start of the year, and that is hatsumōde (初詣). Hatsumōde is the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple. Many people make this visit after midnight on the 31st, and huge crowds gather at the larger shrines, such as Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine and Meiji Jingu .

Most shrines and temples offer omikuji (御神籤) fortune slips, and it is common to buy one to predict your luck for the year ahead. Generally omikuji cost around ¥100, and you draw a number at random which you exchange for a corresponding fortune. On the paper slip is written your overall level of fortune (for which there are 5-7 different levels), and more specific information about your prospects in various areas of life, including work, romance and health. Good fortunes are often kept, while bad ones may be tied up at a designated spot at the temple or shrine in order to pray for better fortune. Some larger temples and shrines have omikuji in English.

Those who don’t do hatsumōde after midnight on the 31st typically make their visit between the 1st and the 3rd of January, when most people are off work. If you haven’t made a temple or shrine visit yet, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Bow before the “torii”

When entering a shrine, it is traditional practice to bow before the torii (shrine gate), though this custom is not observed so often nowadays.

Wash your impurities away at the “temizuya”

Before approaching the main shrine building, you should wash at the “ temizuya ” water basin. With the ladle in your right hand, pour water into the left hand to clean it, then switch the ladle to your left hand to wash the right.. With both hands washed, pour more water into the left hand again and transfer it to your mouth to rinse it (this water should be spat out outside of the basin). You should then wash your left hand once more before the ladle is cleaned and put back.

“saisen” for good fortune

An offering of money is made to a container in front of the main shrine. It is common to use denominations of ¥5, as the Japanese for this amount is pronounced the same as the word for fortune (“goen”).

the usual way to worship at the shrine

In front of the shrine, bow twice, clap twice, then bow once more. In the case of a Buddhist temple, instead of clapping you should ring the temple bell, if there is one. If not, you should hold your hands together silently for a moment.

If you’re looking for a quiet place for hatsumōde in the city, consider Zojōji Temple in Shiba Park near Tokyo Tower (pictured below). Despite its central location, it rarely gets overcrowded in the New Year rush and you can take your time over your visit. On the temple grounds you might see what’s known as “saru mawashi” (猿回し), a performing monkey show.

Zojoji Temple

However, no matter where you are in Japan, you’re never too far from a shrine, and smaller places like Mie Prefecture’s Toride Shrine (pictured below) may offer a more intimate, contemplative atmosphere.

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Japan’s 9 Most Popular Shrines and Temples for Hatsumode (First Visit of the New Year)

Hatsumode, or the first shrine or temple visit of the new year, is the thing to do over the holidays in Japan

December 19, 2019 Updated On December 29, 2021

The New Year’s period is generally considered to be December 31-January 3, which is when millions of people usually make their annual pilgrimage to either their neighborhood shrine or temple, or to one of the major ones across the country. Here’s a list of the most visited shrines and temples across the country during this intense four-day period.

1. Meiji Jingu, Tokyo

Approximately 3.2 million visitors.

The most popular shrine in Japan for Hatsumode barely needs no introduction — it’s a favorite with locals and tourists alike, thanks to its lush greenery and convenient location.

The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, although their tombs are located in Kyoto. Both were loved by the people and to commemorate them, volunteers from all over Japan and abroad donated over 100,000 trees and planted them to create a forest surrounding the shrine , which now, along with gardens, a treasure hall and a martial arts hall, covers 700,000 square meters of prime Tokyo real estate.

More info: Meiji Jingu

2. Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji, Kanagawa

Approximately 3.1 million visitors.

Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple is known for its power of warding off evil, making it an attractive stop for people who want to start the new year with a clean slate. Along with Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (the next one down on this list) and Yakuo-in Yukiji Temple in Hachioji, Kawasaki Daishi is one of the biggest temples of the Chisan School of the Shingon sect. The temple dates back to 1128, when Buddhist priest Sonken and Kanenori, a former samurai, constructed it together.

More info: Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji

3. Naritasan Shinshoji, Chiba

Approximately 3 million visitors.

Perfect for a quick stop on your way out of the country (or when you’re coming back) due to its proximity to Narita Airport, Naritasan Shinshoji is — along with Kawasaki Daishi (above) — one of the largest and most important temples of the Chisan School of the Shingon sect. It was founded over 1,000 years ago, but reached peak popularity during the Edo period, when it hosted kabuki plays which became wildly popular among Edoites.

If a quick stop to the temple isn’t enough, check out our guide to spending a day in Narita city .

More info: Naritasan Shinshoji

4. Sensoji, Tokyo

Approximately 2.8 million visitors.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo, Sensoji is the city’s oldest temple, and easily its most famous. It was founded in 628 and many believe that Asakusa Kannon enshrined here has the power to bestow fortunes on the Earth. Popular year round, Sensoji boasts about 30 million visitors a year, with a tenth of those arriving during the New Year period. Since this is one of the busiest times of year for the temple, it’s also one of the busiest seasons for the local rickshaw drivers. If you want to experience a rickshaw ride during this time, it’s best to  book in advance .

More info: Sensoji

5. Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

Approximately 2.7 million visitors.

Another heavyweight in terms of international recognition, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of roughly 30,000 Inari-style shrines across the country. People come to this iconic shrine to pray for bountiful harvests, prosperity in business, as well as the safety and well-being of family members. Fushimi Inari Taisha is actually made up of five different shrines, each dedicated to a different deity.

More info: Fushimi Inari Taisha

6. Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka

Approximately 2.6 million visitors.

This is the main shrine of all roughly 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines, including the one you’ll find in Tsukuda, Tokyo . The three enshrined deities are known to protect the nation, seafarers, and promote waka, a 31-syllable form of poetry. Because of this, the shrine enjoys popularity from a broad demographic: everyone from fishermen and scholars to military officials can feel at home here. Sumiyoshi Taisha is also featured in the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji .

More info: Sumiyoshi Taisha

7. Atsuta Jingu, Aichi

Approximately 2.3 million visitors.

Atsuta Jingu is known as a protector of agriculture. Also, more notably, it’s home to the legendary Kusanagi sword, a magical sword handed down to humans from the gods after being found inside the corpse of an eight-headed dragon. While the lines between historical facts and legend are a little bit blurry, the sword is said to be enshrouded in the inner shrine. Atsuta Jingu is also famous for being instrumental in Nobunaga Oda’s victory at the battle of Okehazama in 1560, which wiped out the Imagawa clan and established him as a powerful Sengoku period lord. To show his gratitude to the gods for his victory, Nobunaga Oda had a mud wall constructed that still remains there today.

More info: Atsuta Jingu

8. Hikawa Shrine, Saitama

Approximately 2.1 million visitors.

Hikawa Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, reportedly founded over 2,400 years ago. It’s the head shrine for about 280 other Hikawa shrines, mostly located in the Kanto region. The shrine complex is located in a vast area of greenery, which includes three sport stadiums, a zoo, a museum, and multiple parks. Hikawa Shrine is dedicated to three kami, including Susanoo no mikoto, the sun goddess Amaterasu’s mischievous brother.

More info: Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine

9. Dazaifu Tenmangu, Fukuoka

Approximately 2 million visitors.

This shrine is dedicated to the deified scholar Michizane Sugawara, a government official who was slandered and exiled from his home region in the late 800s. The first shrine built in his honor was constructed on top of his grave and completed in 905, two years after his death. The current main shrine building dates back to 1591 (it was rebuilt multiple times due to fires) and is an exemplary structure of the Momoyama architectural style. Around 6,000 plum trees of almost 200 varieties decorate the shrine grounds, planted in honor of the deified Michizane, who was supposedly so fond of them he constructed a waka poem dedicated to them when he was only five years old. His scholarly pursuits in his life continue on in death, as he is now a god of calligraphy and literature.

More info: Dazaifu Tenmangu

If you plan on visiting any shrines during the New Year, please maintain social distancing measures and avoid crowded places to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Be sure to brush up on your shrine etiquette before you go and make sure to keep warm while you wait in line! Also, why not get a goshuin stamp or buy an omamori to mark the occasion of your visit while you’re there?

Main image:  Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com

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Hatsumode: Japanese New year Shine Visits

• About Japan , Culture , Shrines & Temples

Hatsumode, a cherished Japanese tradition, holds historical significance and is steeped in traditional rituals. Let’s take a look at the preparation and planning involved in this sacred practice, as well as popular Hatsumode locations.

Customary offerings play a vital role in this annual event, but modern interpretations have added a contemporary twist. Join us on a journey to uncover the essence of Hatsumode and discover how this ancient ritual continues to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

Key Takeaways

• Hatsumode is a traditional Japanese New Year’s custom that dates back to the Heian period.
• It is a way to start the new year with auspicious blessings and is a social event that brings communities together.
• The rituals of Hatsumode involve offering prayers, making wishes, and receiving omamori from the shrine.
• Hatsumode has evolved with the times, with virtual experiences and social media integration becoming popular.

Historical Significance

Hatsumode is a traditional Japanese New Year’s custom where people visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples to pray for good fortune and a prosperous year ahead.

This practice dates back to ancient times and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It is believed that hatsumode started during the Heian period (794-1185) when people would gather at shrines to offer prayers and seek blessings for the coming year.

Today, hatsumode continues to be a cherished tradition, symbolizing a fresh start and the opportunity to leave behind the past year’s troubles. It holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people, reminding them of their cultural heritage and the importance of seeking spiritual guidance.

Traditional Rituals

The significance of Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year in Japan, is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and traditions. This annual ritual is believed to bring blessings and good fortune for the coming year.

During Hatsumode, people offer prayers, make wishes, and receive omamori, protective amulets, from the shrine.

Understanding the significance and rituals of Hatsumode provides insight into the spiritual practices and beliefs of the Japanese people.

Significance of Hatsumode

Visiting a shrine during hatsumode is a way for individuals to start the new year with auspicious blessings. It is a deeply rooted tradition in Japan, where people gather at shrines to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year.

Hatsumode is not just a religious practice, but also a social event that brings communities together. The atmosphere at shrines during this time is vibrant and festive, with food stalls, traditional performances, and bustling crowds.

People write their wishes on small wooden plaques called ema, which are then hung at the shrine, symbolizing their hopes and dreams for the year ahead. It is a time of reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for the future.

Hatsumode allows individuals to connect with their spirituality and embrace the possibilities that the new year brings.

Ritual Practices Explained

During this ritual, it’s customary to cleanse your hands and mouth before entering the shrine. This cleansing process is known as ‘misogi’ and is an important part of the hatsumode experience in Japan.

The idea behind this practice is to purify oneself both physically and spiritually before approaching the sacred space. It involves using a ladle to pour water over your hands and then rinsing your mouth. This act of purification is believed to remove impurities and negative energy, allowing for a fresh start in the new year.

It’s a powerful and symbolic gesture that signifies the desire for renewal and spiritual growth. By participating in this ritual, individuals can feel a sense of liberation and freedom, ready to embark on a new chapter of their lives.

Preparation and Planning

Before going to the shrine for hatsumode, it’s important to make a list of all the necessary preparations. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

First, one must decide on the date and time of the visit. It’s best to avoid the busiest days to avoid the crowds.

Next, it’s crucial to dress appropriately for the occasion. Many people choose to wear traditional clothing such as kimono or yukata. Don’t forget to bring a small purse or wallet for offering money and a small towel for cleansing.

It’s also customary to bring a small notebook or ema board to write wishes or prayers.

Lastly, it’s important to mentally prepare oneself for the spiritual experience and embrace the freedom to express gratitude and hopes for the coming year.

Popular Hatsumode Locations

To make the most of your experience, consider exploring popular locations for hatsumode in Japan.

Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year, is an important tradition in Japanese culture. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the year ahead.

While there are countless shrines across Japan where you can participate in hatsumode, some locations stand out for their historical significance and vibrant atmosphere.

One such location is Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, nestled in a serene forest, where you can experience a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling city.

Another popular choice is Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a breathtaking path for visitors to follow.

Wherever you choose to go, these popular hatsumode locations offer a unique and memorable way to start the year with a sense of freedom and possibility.

Customary Offerings

When participating in traditional Japanese customs such as hatsumode, there are customary offerings that play an important role.

One such offering is traditional food, which is often presented as a gesture of gratitude and respect to the deities.

Symbolic monetary donations are also commonly made, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the upcoming year.

Plus, ritualistic prayer items, such as incense and prayer beads, are used during the prayer rituals to create a sacred and spiritual atmosphere.

These offerings and rituals help to create a meaningful and personal connection with the spiritual world during the hatsumode experience.

Traditional Food Offerings

You can participate in hatsumode by making traditional food offerings at the shrine. It is a customary practice in Japan to bring food as an offering to the deities during the New Year’s visit to the shrine.

Traditional food offerings vary depending on the region, but some common ones include mochi, rice cakes, and fruits. Mochi, made from pounded rice, is often shaped into round balls or squares and is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Rice cakes, on the other hand, symbolize the hope for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. Fruits represent the abundance and sweetness of life.

Symbolic Monetary Donations

If you want to make a symbolic monetary donation at the shrine, consider offering a small amount of money in a special envelope called ‘osaisen.’ This traditional practice allows visitors to show their respect and support for the shrine’s upkeep and activities.

The osaisen envelopes are usually available near the shrine entrance or at designated donation boxes. You can write your name or a wish on the envelope before placing it in the donation box.

The amount of money you choose to offer is up to you, but it is customary to give a modest amount, such as 500 yen or 1000 yen. The osaisen envelopes are often beautifully designed and can serve as a meaningful souvenir of your visit.

Ritualistic Prayer Items

To fully participate in the ritualistic prayer at the shrine, bring along specific items like omamori, a small amulet, or ema, a wooden plaque, to write your wishes on and hang them up. These items play an essential role in the hatsumode experience, allowing visitors to connect with the spiritual and cultural traditions of Japan.

Omamori, meaning ‘protection,’ are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil. Carrying one can bring a sense of comfort and security.

Ema, on the other hand, serve as a way to communicate wishes and desires to the deities. By writing your wishes on the wooden plaque and hanging it up, you are symbolically offering your prayers.

These items not only enhance the spiritual connection but also create a personal and meaningful experience for those participating in hatsumode.

Modern Interpretations

Take a moment to explore modern interpretations of hatsumode during your visit to Japan. Hatsumode, the traditional New Year’s visit to shrines and temples, has evolved over the years to reflect the changing times. While the core essence of the ritual remains intact, there are now alternative ways to participate in hatsumode that cater to those seeking more freedom and personalization.

In recent years, some people have chosen to have a ‘virtual’ hatsumode experience by using technology to visit shrines and temples online. This allows individuals who may not be able to physically attend the ceremonies to still partake in the spiritual aspect of hatsumode.

Another modern interpretation of hatsumode is the integration of social media. Many shrines and temples now have their own official accounts where they share updates, photos, and even livestream the New Year’s ceremonies. This allows people to connect with the spiritual community and share their own hatsumode experiences with a wider audience.

Whether you choose to participate in hatsumode traditionally or explore these modern interpretations, the essence of the ritual remains the same – to start the New Year with gratitude, reflection, and a sense of renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has hatsumode been celebrated in japan.

Hatsumode, a traditional Japanese New Year’s custom, has been celebrated for centuries. It involves visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple to pray for good fortune and make wishes for the upcoming year.

Are There Any Specific Prayers or Rituals Performed During Hatsumode?

During Hatsumode, people in Japan perform specific prayers and rituals to bring good luck and blessings for the new year. These rituals vary, but commonly include making offerings, ringing bells, and drawing omikuji fortunes.

What Are Some Common Traditions or Customs Associated With Hatsumode?

Some common traditions or customs associated with Hatsumode include visiting a shrine or temple, making offerings, praying for good fortune and health, buying lucky charms, and participating in various ceremonies and rituals.

How Do People Usually Prepare for Hatsumode?

People usually prepare for Hatsumode by cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and making resolutions for the upcoming year. It’s a time for reflection and renewal, where people strive to start the year on a positive note.

Are There Any Specific Locations in Japan That Are Particularly Popular for Hatsumode Celebrations?

There are certain locations in Japan that attract a lot of attention during hatsumode celebrations. These places are known for their beautiful shrines or temples and are popular among people looking for a spiritual start to the new year.

To sum it up, hatsumode is a time-honored tradition in Japan that holds great historical significance. It is a chance for individuals to start the new year on a positive note and seek blessings for the year ahead.

The preparation and planning involved in this ritual are crucial, as they ensure a meaningful experience. Popular locations for hatsumode include shrines and temples across the country. Offering customary items like coins and prayers is a customary practice that adds depth to the experience.

Today, hatsumode continues to evolve, allowing individuals to find their own modern interpretations of this cherished tradition. So why not join in and embrace the spirit of hatsumode for a fresh start in the new year?

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First Shrine Visit of the Year ｜ 初詣

No matter how religious a person is or isn’t in Japan, they likely participate in hatsumōde , the first shrine or temple visit of the year.  Viewed as a proper way to start the year, some people line up hours before on New Year’s Eve –  though it’s generally considered acceptable if you don’t go on January 1 st as long as you go within the first week.

During hatsumōde , people visit either a local shrine or a particularly famous one in order to pray for good luck or for something else they desire for the coming year, such as success, romance, good grades, or good health.  Various shrines and temples hold special rituals or offer things like a small sip of sake for visitors, and many people take this opportunity to purchase a hamaya, a special arrow charm displayed in the home for good luck, available only in the New Year season.

Some of the most popular locations in Kyoto for this first shrine visit of the year are Fushimi Inari Taisha, Jishu Shrine, Kitano Tenmangū, Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines.  Wherever you decide to go, it’s sure to be an experience!

New Year Shrine Visits in Japan: A Tour of First Prayers for Good Luck

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?

Table of Contents

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!

GetAround Japan is your number one travel guide, providing the latest information on visiting and living in Japan, with tips on what to eat, things to do, and places to stay. Whether you’re planning for a trip far in the future, or already in Japan in need of some fresh ideas, our archive of posts will help you find the best way to fill your time and get the most out of your travel experience. We provide you updates on serious policies that affect visitors and foreign residents while also keeping things light and fun with articles on quirky trends and pop culture. How do we know how to provide visitors the information they need? Our affiliate company CDJapan Rental provides WIFI and Sim Card rentals to thousands of visitors to Japan every year. In other words, we are constantly in touch with and listening to the voices of our customers, and infuse our blog with the information they ask us for. For inquiries, contact us here =Company Information= CDJapan Rental (Neowing Corporation) 1-10-15-3F Nihonbashi Horidome Chuo, Tokyo 103-0012, Japan

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Happy new year in Japan = Hatsumode to shrine or temple

New Year’s visit to a shrine, known as “Hatsumode (初詣)”, is a time-honored tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Have you ever wondered about the meaning and origins behind this practice?

Meaning of Hatsumode: Hatsumode refers to the tradition of making the first visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple at the beginning of the year to pray for happiness in the upcoming year. It is also called “Hajimemairi,” meaning the first visit.

Origins of Hatsumode: The roots of Hatsumode can be traced back to the Heian period and the custom known as “Toshigomori” or “Year Confinement.” Toshigomori involved the heads of households in the local community staying overnight at the shrine on New Year’s Eve, praying throughout the night for a bountiful harvest and safety in the coming year. Over time, this practice evolved into two separate rituals: “Joyama Mairi” on New Year’s Eve and “Gantan Mairi” on New Year’s Day.

During the Edo period, the New Year’s Day visit was also known as “Ehōmairi,” and people would visit a shrine located in the auspicious direction for the year.

The concept of “Ehō” refers to the auspicious direction for the year, determined by the combination of the Chinese zodiac signs (Rat, Cow, Tiger, etc.) and the Heavenly Stems (Ki, Hi, Tsuchi, etc.), resulting in a total of 60 possible directions.

As time passed, the practice of New Year’s Day visits became more prominent, and people started choosing shrines and temples based on personal preferences rather than the auspicious direction.

Do you know the proper way to conduct Hatsumode?

1: Purification at the Chozuya (Water Basin): Consider the shrine as the dwelling place of the deity. Bow respectfully at the torii gate, remove your hat and scarf, and enter the precincts. At the chozuya, purify your hands and mouth following these steps:

• [1] Hold the ladle in your right hand and wash your left hand.
• [2] Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.
• [3] Switch the ladle back to your right hand, cup water in your left hand, and rinse your mouth without touching the ladle to your lips.
• [4] Wash the palm of your left hand.
• [5] Hold the ladle vertically, pour water over the handle, and return it to its original position.
• Repeat steps [1] to [5] using one ladle of water.

2: Offer Old Amulets and Prayers: Next, dedicate the amulets and charms from the previous year. The shrine will burn them for you. Ideally, return them to the shrine where you received them the previous year, but if that’s not possible, you can take them to a different shrine.

When removing the amulets from the home shrine, purify your hands and mouth first. Bow, express gratitude for the protection received over the past year, and then remove the amulets. When carrying them, wrap them in white paper or traditional washi paper.

3: Offer Prayers at the Main Hall: Now it’s time to offer prayers at the main hall. Here’s the procedure:

• [1] Stand facing the altar and straighten your posture.
• [2] Insert an offering into the offertory box.
• [3] Ring the bell.
• [4] Straighten your posture again.
• [5] Bow twice, clap your hands twice, bow once (known as “Nihai Nishu Ichi-hai”).

This sequence is for Shinto shrines. In Buddhist temples, there is no clapping; instead, you place your hands together in a prayer position.

After the visit, you can receive new amulets, charms, or draw omikuji (fortune slips). Many shrines also offer special New Year’s stamps, so it’s a good idea to bring a goshuincho (stamp book).

When to Go for Hatsumode: While many people visit shrines during the first three days of the New Year, it is acceptable to go up until the seventh or fifteenth day, known as “Matsunouchi.” Since Hatsumode marks the beginning of the year, it is advisable to complete the visit by mid-January.

About Omikuji: Omikuji are fortunes that predict the luck for the year. After drawing an omikuji, it’s common to tie it to a tree or designated area within the shrine according to the shrine’s rules. The practice of leaving the fortune behind is rooted in the belief that tying it symbolizes a connection between the person and the deity. However, some people prefer to keep good fortunes with them for added luck.

In conclusion , Hatsumode is a unique Japanese cultural tradition, symbolizing the joy of the new year and expressing wishes for happiness in the coming year.

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• Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine 住吉大社

2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu

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Manicured foliage and towering trees harmonize with third-century Japanese architecture

The grounds of Sumiyoshi Taisha are some of the best in the country. The shrine was erected before mainland Asia influenced Japanese architectural styles. The groundskeepers have preserved a patch of rice field on the southern end of the grounds, giving visitors an idea of what life in Japan was like prior to modern development.

Quick Facts

It was built prior to the introduction of Buddhism to Japan

Crowds flock to Sumiyoshi Taisha on January 1 for hatsumode, the customary first shrine visit of the year

How to Get There

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine can be accessed by train and then on foot.

From Tennoji Station, walk to neighboring Tennoji-Ekimae Station and take the Hankai Denki Uemachi Line south for approximately 15 minutes. Exit at Sumiyoshitorii-Mae Station. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is on your left.

Plan your journey

Spend an hour exploring the shrine grounds and facilities. Consider heading to nearby Sumiyoshi Park afterward to view the seasonal blooms of flowers.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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New Year in Japan: How to do “hatsumode”, the first visit to a shrine

T he way Japan celebrates New Year in very unique. New Year in Japan is very quiet, with many family-centered events with an atmosphere similar to Christmas. At the beginning of every new year, many people visit shrines and temples for “ hatsumode “, the first visit to a shrine/temple of that year. If you are in Japan during New Year be sure to try “ hatsumode “! We tell you how and where you can do that!

How to visit a shrine

• Three shrines in Chiyoda Ward to visit for “hatsumode“

Hie-jinja Shrine

Tokyo daijingu (tokyo grand shrine).

The steps below show you what people do when visiting a shrine in Japan. We use the shrine Kanda Myojin near Akihabara as an example.

1) Bow at the torii gate and walk on the side of the path. The middle of the approach is for the kami (spirits/gods).

2) Purify your hands and mouth at the temizuya water station located at the entrance of the shrine.

(Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the temizuya water station may not be available. Please disinfect your hands instead.)

Scoop up some water with the ladle. Purify your left hand, then your right hand.

Pour water into your left palm, then rinse your mouth. Please don’t drink directly from the ladle and don’t swallow the water.

Purify your left hand again, hold the ladle upright and rinse the ladle. Finish!

3) Next, let’s make a wish. Insert a coin into the offering box. You may put as much money into the box as you like. Many people prefer 5 Yen or 50 Yen because the words for those numbers have a lucky meaning.

Bow twice and then clap your hands twice. Put your palms together in a praying position. Make a wish or say a simple “Thank You”.  Then, bow once again.

4) AFTER making your wish it’s time to stroll around, and receive a goshuin stamp or an omamori lucky charm to commemorate your visit! Easy, right?

Three shrines in Chiyoda Ward to visit for “ hatsumode “

Kanda myojin.

Kanda Myojin is a shrine with a history of about 1,300 years. While keeping established traditions, the shrine also collaborates with anime and games. Therefore, the shrine has amulets, votive tablets, and other shrine goods with anime designs! Also, “ omamori  amulet vending machines”, and “fortune paper  omikuji  vending machines” are installed in the precincts. Moreover, the shrine regularly holds unique exhibitions and events, successfully combining tradition and innovation.

Hatsumode starts at midnight on January 1st, 2023. The precincts get crowded with New Year visitors. At midnight, the “New Year’s Festival” (ceremony held at the beginning of the year) begins.

Kanda Myojin has a live camera that shows how crowded the place is, and an omamori lucky charm mailing service for those who cannot visit the shrine.

<Opening and closing times in 2023>

1/1 from 0:00 to 21:15 1/2 6:45-20:45 1/3 7:00-20:45 1/4 7:00-20:45 1/5 7:00-19:50 1/6 7:45-19:20 1/7-1/9 8:00-18:50 1/10-1/13 8:30-18:20 1/14 and 1/15 9:00-18:20 1/16-31 9:00-18:00

https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp Live camera https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/liveCam/ Omamori mailing service https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/omamori/ 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/x5jVaeTANER4UCAK6 Nearest stations: Ochanomizu Station, Shin-Ochanomizu Station, Akihabara Station, Suehirocho Station

Hie-jinja Shrine, which has a history of about 500 years, is said to bring blessings such as matchmaking, warding off evil, and raising your children healthy. That is also the reason why this shrine is very popular for holding traditional Shinto weddings.

The monkey statues you can find EVERYWHERE are one of the shrine’s key characteristics. In particular, the lovely monkey statue of a mother monkey and her baby (at the left of the main hall) is said to bring good luck to pregnant women or women who want to have children.

The “Wakamizu Festival” will be held from midnight on January 1st, 2023. During this festival, fresh water full of vitality is drawn and offered to the shine’s main deity. There will also be a Noh – classical Japanese dance – performance.

January 1st: 0:00 am to 6:00 pm January 2nd to 5th: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm From January 6th: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm

https://www.hiejinja.net 2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Aa71aZs3UD4pmBFc6 Nearest stations: Akasaka Station, Tameike-sanno Station, Kokkaigijido-mae Station, Akasaka-mitsuke Station, Nagatacho Station

Tokyo Daijingu in Iidabashi is also called “O-Ise-sama in Tokyo”. During the Edo period (1603-1868), it was everyone’s dream to go on a pilgrimage to the Grand Shrine of Ise (Ise Jingu Shrine) at least once in their lifetime. But traveling wasn’t as easy then, so this big dream stayed unfulfilled for most. That’s why later, a new (Ise-branched) shrine was built in Tokyo, making it possible to worship the deities from afar without having to travel to Ise. That is Tokyo Daijingu.

<New Year events>

January 1st, 6:00 am: New Year’s Day Festival (“Saitansai”) Celebration of the first morning of the year and greeting the gods.

January 3rd, 8:00 am: “Genshisai” Japanese imperial rituals are held.

January 10, 9:00 am: “Seijinsai” The coming-of-age ceremony is a ceremony to welcome, congratulate and encourage all those who have reached or will reach the age of maturity.

http://www.tokyodaijingu.or.jp http://www.tokyodaijingu.or.jp/english/index.html (English) Omamori Mailing Service http://www.tokyodaijingu.or.jp/ 2-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3UuhNTCHz1j2s8CT6 Nearest station: Iidabashi Station

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First visit of the year Hatsumode

Japanese go shrine on New Year's day!?

Many Japanese go to a shrine or temple for Hatsumode which means one's first visit of the year. It is said that people will get benefit and be more happy by it this year. There are three theories about when to go Hatsumode.

• Only New Year's Day
• The first three days of New Year called Sanganichi
• The first week of New Year called Matsunouchi

The thrid theory is popular now because most people want to avoid crowded place. For example, over three million people go to the Meiji Jingu Shrine which is one of the famous shrine in Japan for the first three days of the year. Over two million people go to the other famous shrine like Fushimi Inari-raisha, Sumiyoshi taisha, Tsuruoka Hachimangu and more.

There are two theories about the origin of Hatsumode. One is the Ehomairi that people pray towards a shrine or temple in the past. They actually visit there before they were aware of that. The other is the Toshigomori that a master of the house stay in the shrine from the New Year's Eve to the New Year's Day. Whole family go to a shrine as time goes by.

There is a certain manner to pray at the alter of a shrine. Firstly, visitors wash their hands at the purification trough called temizuya. Secondly, they throw an offering of money in the box called Saisenbako and ring the bell. Finally, they bow twice, clap hands twice, worship with folded hands, and bow again.

In addition, people dedicate amulets and talismans which they have for a year to shirnes and temples. They buy a new one for praying to be happy for next year. Shirnes and temples purify amulets and talismans, and make bonfire of them. People buy not only new amulets and talismans but also votive pictures of horse called Ema, fortune slips called O-mikuji and more. They write thier wish on votive pictures of horse. The rank of fortune slip is as follow, it says different future even if it's same rank.

• Dai-kichi (Excellent good fortune, Best fortune)
• Sho-kichi (Small fortune)
• Kichi (Regular fortune)
• Han-kichi (Medium fortune, Half fortune)
• Sue-kichi (Fortune but finally, final and last fortune)
• Suesho-kichi (Good fortune in future)
• Kyo (Bad fortune)

By the way, there are three major shirines for Hatsumode, Heian-jingu in Kyoto, Meiji-jingu in Tokyo and Nritasan in Chiba. In east of the Japan, Sensoji in Tokyo and Kawasaki Daishi in Kanagawa are also famous for Hatsumode. In west of the Japan, Itsukushima shirine in Hiroshima, Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka, Isejingu in Mie and Izumotaisha in Shimane are also famous for Hatsumode.

If you travel Japan in the New Year days, you can experience Japanese culture through Hatsumode. Note that many shops, restaurants and department stores close in the first three days of the year.

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Great places for 'hatsumode' around tokyo during the japanese new year.

On the first day of the Japanese new year, you will see many people heading to shinto shrines and temples for "hatsumode," or the first prayer of the year. On this day, people bring back old omamori protective amulets - which are supposed to have a shelf life of one year - and obtain new ones from the shrine. You will also see others purifying themselves with sacred smoke, or even carrying wooden arrows from the shrines.

This is not because archery is a common new year’s day activity, but because these arrows are also charms, called hamaya, only available at the beginning of the year. The locals usually have a specific shrine or temple they visit, each known for a particular type of blessing, from good health, wealth, relationships and more. When considering which temple or shrine you might want to visit on New Year’s Day, think about what to wish for - and keep in mind that hatsumode is usually carried out on the first three days of the year.

Experience Hatsumode at these 6 Temples and Shrines

Meiji jingu shrine.

This is one of the most popular shrines for tourists and locals alike during hatsumode, with over three million visitors over the first three days of the year. The shrine is dedicated to the worship of the deified spirits of the Meiji Emperor, and is located near the trendy Harajuku area just beside the JR Yamanote Line’s Harajuku station.

The long pebble-pathed approach is surrounded by cedar trees, making for a serene and contemplative walk, perfect for new year resolution-making and reflection. The Meiji Jingu Shrine is a sprawling 175 acres - larger than Vatican City! You will also see an impressive display of sake barrels here, donated to the shrine by various sake brewers around Japan. People come here to pray for luck of all kinds, so this is a classic all purpose shrine that also makes for great sightseeing.

http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/

Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple

Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple has a history of over 1,080 years and is one of Japan's most visited temples, with over 10 million visitors each year. It also has several nationally designated important cultural properties. On New Year's Day (through 1-3 January), it has the second highest number of visitors (over 3 million visitors) to Hatsumode in Japan, after Meiji Jingu Shrine. There are several experience programs available, including sutra copying, zazen meditation, and ogoma prayers . Naritasan, a place of worship since the Edo period, would soothe both body and mind.

https://www.naritasan.or.jp/

Tokyo Daijingu

If you’re looking for love in the New Year, the Tokyo Daijingu is where you want to be. This allegedly powerful shrine is affiliated with the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture, thought to be one of the oldest and holiest places in Japan. The shrine was built by the order of the Meiji Emperor in 1880 so that more people could be blessed by the gods of Ise without actually making the journey to Ise.

The queue to get into the shrine grounds can last 3-4 hours during hatsumode, but for a lifetime of happiness and love it may be worth it. The omamori charms here are aptly shaped like a love locket on two strings tied together. Who knows, you may meet your other half while waiting in line!

http://www.tokyodaijingu.or.jp/

Kanda Myojin

Otakus, rejoice, as the Kanda Myojin is your mecca for an animated new year ahead.Head here to pray for a computer virus-free year, with the omamori charms targeting the IT industry. Located in the otaku town of Akihabara, a 7-min walk from JR Akihabara station, this shrine was previously frequented by the warrior class; even renowned general Tokugawa was said to have paid his respects here, giving it some serious hatsumode clout. One of Tokyo’s major summer festivals, the Kanda Matsuri, is also named after this shrine.

http://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/

Yushima Tenjin

The Japanese new year provides great opportunities to explore your resolutions from a number of angles, including school and study. If you are a student or academic on a quest for scholarly success, the Yushima Tenjin shrine is the place to head to. Located on top of a hill in the Ueno district, this ancient shrine deifies a famous ninth century scholar who had an outstanding reputation for learning and is hence worshipped as the god of learning. This shrine is particularly packed prior to the examination period, with students and their relatives coming to pray for good exam grades and admission into the university of their dreams.

http://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/

Sensoji Temple (Asakusa)

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa shares its grounds with Asakusa Shrine. Founded in the year 628, this complex is actually Tokyo’s oldest temple. Visiting this shrine during the new year in Japan is a good chance to see both a temple and a shrine, and participate in the Buddhist year-end rite where the bell is rung 108 times, signifying the 108 worries of mankind, as well as pray for a smooth year ahead with a omamori charm from the shrine.

Its founding dates back to two thousand three hundred years ago when two fishermen found a kannon (Goddess of Mercy) statue in their fishing net in the Sumida River. Now, it is worshipped by businessmen who seek prosperity. Some three million people visit the shrine grounds during the Japanese new year, enjoying the festival like atmosphere with many stalls lining the shrine approach. The shrine is accessible via all Asakusa Station lines.

http://www.asakusajinja.jp

Nishiarai Daishi

The Japanese believe there are certain years in one’s life which are considered unlucky, and if it is your zodiac year, the year will be "yakudoshi" - meaning unlucky or challenging in various aspects. The Nishiarai Daishi Temple is famous as a power spot for banishing evil spirits and bad luck. There are also certain ages deemed to be challenging ones for men and women, so head here and check if you should be taking some extra precautions or buying a special protective charm. As Nishiarai Daishi is also usually less-crowded than other more power spots more popular with the tourists, this is recommended for those who cannot bear the thought of waiting for a few hours to rid yourself of ill luck.

https://nishiaraidaishi.jp/en/

Omamori and Omikuji

Now, regardless of which temple or shrine you visit, you will find a whole plethora of charms ( omamori in Japanese) for various purposes, from good luck, to luck in love, good health, safe travels, success or to ward away evil. The omamori usually have a cute or interesting design, flaunting what the particular shrine or temple is famous for.

You can also obtain a fortune slip called an omikuji that will give advice on your current luck quotient and how you will fare in various aspects from love to work and finding missing things or people you are waiting for. If you like the assessment of your luck you can keep the paper; otherwise you can tie it to a rack or a tree where people leave their unlucky predictions in the hope of averting the bad luck.

Hatsumode is More than a Fun New Year Event

Hatsumode is one of the most important Japanese new year traditions, a fun ritual for family or friends where jostling with the crowds during the cold winter season is just as interesting as making your wishes known to the gods. Despite the jovial mood, do bear in mind that . Do observe what other people are doing and copy them if you aren’t sure of what to do. Happy New Year!

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How to visit Japan's shrines and temples—with respect

Why are there Buddhas hidden in some Shinto shrines? Why do temples and shrines often share the same grounds? These sacred spaces have a compelling history.

Over the centuries, the Indigenous Shinto religion and Buddhism, imported from India by way of China, gained prominence in Japan at different times. From the beginning, beliefs intermingled, creating what’s now called shinbutsu shugo . Then, from the end of the 19th century through the first half of the 20th, government policy sought to split the two in an effort to elevate Shinto.

Traces of this history can still be seen all over Japan, from Buddha statues hidden in Shinto shrines in response to Meiji policy, to Shinto imagery at Buddhist temples. In many places, Shinto and Buddhism, with their associated structures, shrines and temples respectively, share the same sacred grounds. Today, there are about 80,000 shrines and 77,000 temples in the country.  

As travel to Japan surpasses pre-pandemic levels , visitors who know just a bit of this context can more deeply appreciate these sacred sites. Here are some key histories, symbols, and etiquette to keep in mind to ensure a respectful and enriching visit.

Look out for these features

How do you tell if you’re at a temple or a shrine? The clue is in the name: temples often have the suffix “寺” (-ji or -tera) or “院” (-in), while shrines usually use “神社” (-jinja) or “宮” (-miya or -gu).  

Torii , Sanmon and Romon gates: Both shrines and temples have gates. At the entrance to shrines is the torii, which stands open and consists of two posts and one or two upper lintels. At temples, the gate is called sanmon or romon, and is often more functional in that they can be closed. “Both torii and sanmon serve as barriers, symbolically separating the secular world from the sacred realm,” says Toyohiko Ikeda, head priest at Sugawara Shrine in Machida, Tokyo.

Shimenawa : At shrines, you may see a shimenawa, a rope made from rice straw or hemp and accented with paper zigzag. “Its presence signifies that the enclosed area is in a sacred and pure state,” says Takeyoshi Nagai, head priest of Hibita Shrine in Isehara, Kanagawa. But shimenawa are not limited to shrines. You may have seen them on an especially impressive rock in the forest, or even wrapped around sumo wrestlers, especially the yokozuna, or highest ranked wrestlers. “This tradition is believed to be a way for the yokozuna, who perform the stomp before entering the ring, to dispel evil spirits.”

Komainu and Nio guardians: What of the fierce guardians in front of both shrines and temples? At shrines, more often you’ll find komainu, or lion-dogs, while at temples, you’ll likely find Nio statues, fearful warrior types. “Komainu and Nio statues have the role of warding off malevolent forces attempting to enter,” says Ikeda. Both kinds of guardians are usually depicted with one of the pair having an open mouth and the other with a closed mouth, symbolizing the vocalization of “ aum .”

Bells: Inside temple grounds you’ll sometimes find a bell tower containing a large bronze bell. “In the old days, when there were no clocks in every home, the bells were used to tell the time to local people,” says Kohei Uchida, the head monk at Shingyoji in Matsue, Shimane. The bells are also used to call monks to prayer. If you visit at temple at midnight on New Year’s Eve, you might hear the “Joya no kane,” the ringing of the bell 108 times to symbolize letting go of the 108 earthly desires and approaching the new year with a pure heart.  

Except for shimenawa and torii, versions of these features were all imported from abroad, though of course each culture’s version has its own unique flavor.

Approaching sacred spaces as a traveler

Regardless of religion, any traveler can visit both temples and shrines, says Uchida. However, there are some places that are off limits in both shrines and temples, often with sacred images or objects that are tended only by staff. Photography is frowned upon at some temples and shrines, and allowed in others. If in doubt, it’s best to check with the staff. In shrines, talking should be kept to a minimum, says Ikeda, though children up to the age of seven are considered divine and their making noise is generally acceptable.  

When approaching a temple or shrine, the center of the path is reserved for the gods, so mortals should keep to the edge of the walkway. At the gate, it’s customary to offer a greeting to the gods with a slight bow. Before entering the inner precinct, shrines and some temples have a temizuya , a small pavilion with sacred water for ritually cleansing your hands and mouth. Visitors should take care not to let any water they’ve touched go back into the basin, but rather let it run onto the ground. “This act is to cleanse the mind and body, as it is believed that without purification, the gods may not take notice of us,” says Ikeda.  

In both cases, non-adherents are welcome to pray, according to Uchida and Ikeda, though the method of prayer differs between temples and shrines. “First visit the main hall of the temple, where the principal image resides,” says Uchida. If there is incense, you can burn some, then place your hands together in silent prayer. At shrines, the ritual for prayer is to bow twice, clap twice, pray, and then bow once more.

But when it comes to visiting shrines or temples, there’s no need to choose. The mixing and matching are an integral part of the culture.  

“In Japan, people have cherished both Shinto and Buddhism alike,” says Nagai. “The innate connection to the natural world in Shinto and the structured practices of Buddhism found common ground, fostering a coexistence of the two belief systems.”

Shinto and Buddhism: blurred lines  

When Buddhism arrived in the 6th century, beliefs and rituals now known as Shinto were already in Japan. Shinto gods, called kami , include mythological creation gods, deities that control events like rain and rice harvests, as well as spirits that inhabit objects and animals. Evidence of these Indigenous practices, though diffuse, can be traced as far back as around 300 B.C.

Buddhism’s more organized doctrine brought the construction of temples, and Shinto shrines soon followed in their footsteps.  

Importantly, neither Buddhism nor Shinto inherently demands that its followers adhere to only one faith. “Shinto is an everyday faith woven into daily life,” says Ikeda. “Within the Buddhist teachings, there was a concept of salvation not found in Shinto.”  

This appealed to people, and as Buddhism spread, so did shinbutsu shugo, or the amalgamation of Shinto and Buddhism. In some cases, kami were explained as Buddhas in “disguise,”   says Erik Schicketanz , professor of religious studies specializing in Buddhism at Kokugakuin University.  

In other cases, kami were recruited as protectors of temples and monasteries, which is why you often see shrines and temples side by side, or even within the same compound. Tokyo’s most famous temple, Sensoji, is an example of this, says Schicketanz. “Right next to Sensoji is the Asakusa Jinja. And that is not by coincidence, because until 1868 they were the same thing.”

1868 brought the Meiji Restoration, a new government in pursuit of a pure national identity. They rolled out a policy of shinbutsu bunri , or the separation of Shinto from Buddhism, and an attempt to elevate Shinto as a state religion.  

The legal separation continued until 1945, and in that time, Shinto grew as an overall framework, says Schicketanz. During the period of separation, some temples and Buddhist images were destroyed, and monks were forced to give up their positions or become Shinto priests. Because of the policy of Shinto supremacy, it’s rarer to find Buddhist elements at shrines than vice versa.  

Nowadays, a significant number of people claim no specific religious affiliation, says Nagai. “However, for those who do express a religious belief, Buddhism and Shinto are often held in nearly equal regard.”

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10 Best Temples and Shrines for the First Visit of the Year (Hatsumode) in Japan

Top Temples and Shrines for Hatsumode in Japan

One of the most important traditions of the Japanese New Year is hatsumode (初詣) , the first shrine or temple visit of the year. This first visit takes place between January 1 and 3. At most, it can be extended until the end of that week, although it’s believed that if the visit is made after day 3 it will not be as effective. However, any visit after the first week of January is already considered hatsumode.

In this first visit of the year, in addition to praying and making wishes for the year that begins, the omamori (a Japanese lucky charm) from the previous year are burned and new ones are bought, to start from scratch (or so the tradition says, some people keep them). You can also burn the daruma if you have achieved your goal.

This is a tradition that many Japanese follow, and the temples and shrines are very crowded. The wait to get to the place and make your wish can be even 4 or 5 hours. Many people, especially in the most popular temples and shrines, already start queuing from the moment of turning 12 am and we officially enter the 1st of the new year. 

Japan has countless temples and shrines, so if you like large crowds and endless queues like me, your local neighborhood shrine or temple will do the trick. But in case you are curious or how some Japanese think that more people (and more money) have more options for your wishes to be heard, here are some of the most popular options among Japanese at this time in different cities of Japan . All the temples and shrines on this list are known to be power points, holy places brimming with mystical and spiritual energy.

1. Meiji-jingu Shrine and Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo Prefecture)

How could it be otherwise in Tokyo the most popular option is the Meiji-Jingu shrine (明治神宮) . This famous shrine located in the Shibuya neighborhood is he most visited place in all of Japan for hatsumode. It’s said to receive more than three million visitors between New Year’s Eve and the following three days. It’s the maximum magnitude that can be experienced in Japan not only during this holiday, but throughout the year.

Another of the most popular options would be the Senso-ji temple (浅草寺) , in Asakusa, for being the oldest temple in Tokyo. Also, it’s said that if you want good luck in business, this is the best place to go.

If you want more recommendations of temples to visit in Tokyo for the new year, check this article!

2. Kawasaki Daishi Temple ( Kanagawa Prefecture)

Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple (川崎大師) , sometimes abbreviated as  Heikenji Temple (平間寺) , is one of the most visited temple in all of Japan for New Year’s holidays with over 3 millions visitors (closely followed by Naritasan Shinshoji Temple). This is surely due to the fact that the temple is famous for its great power of protection against evil. So it’s the perfect place for those who want to expel evil spirits and bad luck in the next year that begins and and get off to a good start. Kawasaki Daishi Temple is also popular among the people with Yakudoshi (厄年), which are superstitious unlucky ages in Japan.

To access the temple we have to go through the Daishi Nakamise shopping street, where many candy and souvenir shops are lined up. At this time of year they also sell drinks and hot food, so that the wait until reaching the main part of the temple is not so hard.

3.  Narita Shinshoji Temple (Chiba Prefecture)

As I said earlier, the Naritasen Shinshoji Temple (成田山新勝寺) is together with the Meiji Jingu Shrine and the Kawasaki Daishi Temple one of the most popular places for hatsumode in Japan. The temple was founded more than 1,000 years ago and has more than 220,000 square meters, being one of the largest temples in the country.

It’s very close to Narita airport, so if you arrive in the country just at the beginning of the year or you return to your countries, it’s a good place to stop and make your wish for the year that begins.

4. Atsuta Shrine  (Aichi Prefecture)

In Aichi prefecture in Nagoya, we have the Atsuta shrine (熱田神宮) as the one chosen by the majority of Japanese for the first visit of the year. The Atsuta shrine is very popular among the Japanese since it’s said that it’s in this shrine where the legendary sword called Kusanagi no Mitsurugi (草薙劍) is housed, one of the “Three Sacred Treasures”(三種の神器)  of the Japanese Imperial family.

On January 5 they celebrate a very popular event called ‘Hatsu-Ebisu’ where people go to buy an amulet called “kumade” (熊手), lit. “Bear Claw” that is said to bring good luck for business (it’s a rake-shaped amulet to “drag” the good luck). It’s believed that the person who buys the first kumade will have the best fortune, so many people rush to try to be the first.

If you want to know more about the three sacred treasures, go to this article!

▶  The Three Sacred Treasures of the Japanese Imperial Family

5. Ise Jingu Shrine (Mie Prefecture)

The Ise Grand Shrine or Ise Jingu Shrine (伊勢神宮)  in Japanese is the largest Shinto shrine in Japan. This Grand Shrine is actually two separate shrines. The inner shrine, where the sun goddess Amaterasu is enshrined, and the outer shrine, dedicated to Toyouke, the goddess of agriculture, industry and the everyday necessities of life.

The main priest or priestess must come from the Japanese Imperial Family. The premises of the shrine and its architecture may seem simple and minimal, but it has a lot of history and the Yata no Kagami (八汰鏡), the sacred mirror that is part of the “Three Sacred Treasures”   or Sanshu no Jingi (三種の神器), that was given to Amaterasu’s grandson is even said to be housed there.

You probably can’t get more spiritual energy elsewhere in Japan.

6. Kiyomizu-dera Temple and  Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine  (Kyoto Prefecture)

The Kiyomizumi-dera temple (清水寺) is undoubtedly one of the most popular temples in Kyoto, especially when it comes to tourists. But it is also very popular with the Japanese, especially at this time.

In addition to having a lot of history and several associated legends that make this temple very attractive to the Japanese, the Kiyomizu-dera has the famous Otowara waterfall. This waterfall has three different streams of water, which are said to serve three different kinds of luck: longevity, academic success, and love. Therefore, if any of these three things is among your goals for this new year, it’s not surprising that you decide to visit this temple and drink its water so that the gods listen to you and favor you. This is why many people see it as a great place to start the new year.

7. Sumiyoshi Taisha  Shrine  (Osaka Prefecture)

This shrine is one of the best hatsumode options for those who reside or are for these dates in Osaka or a nearby city. Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社) it’s the main shrine and the most important of those known as Sumiyoshi shrines (there are more than 2,000 of them throughout Japan.).

All Sumiyoshi shrines enshrine three gods known as Sumiyoshi Sanjin, who are responsible for protecting those who travel by sea, defend the nation and promote waka, a type of Japanese poetry.  So the shrines are generally located close to harbors and are popular with fishermen and sailors, military and waka writers or students.

These shrines also tend to have a distinctive architecture called sumiyoshi-zukuri, characterized by among other things their straight rather than curved roofs. The facilities of this shrine are a sight to behold, and perhaps for this reason it’s one of the most popular shrines and receives millions of visitors every year; although these visitors have no relation to the seas or navigation.

8. Izumo Taisha Shrine (Shimane Prefecture)

Like Ise Grand Shrine, Izumo Taisha (出雲大社)  is a shrine steeped in history and one of the oldest in Japan. Okinunushi, the Shinto god of love and marriage, is enshrined in this shrine.

For this reason it is the sanctuary chosen by those whose desire is related to love, whether they are looking for a new love or saving a problematic relationship. It is said that when paying your respects you have to clap four times instead of the usual two, because you are also praying on behalf of your partner in life (even if you have not found him yet)

Also, as this shrine is one of the most sacred, it is said that in the 10th month of the lunar calendar (which would normally be November), the 8 million deities of Japan gather here to discuss people’s destinies for the upcoming year.

9. Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima Prefecture)

Itsukushima Shrine  ( 厳島神社 )   is probably the best known of all the shrines in Japan to foreigners. And it’s that although most surely don’t know its name, all have seen its famous torii in the water (it’s said to be one of the most beautiful sights in Japan).

It’s said to be one of the purest shrines in Japan. That, together with the attraction of seeing its huge torii floating in the water at high tide, makes it the choice of many Japanese for their first visit of the year. At low tide the view is not so impressive, but the torii can even be accessed by walking and touching it, which also arouses the interest of some.

10. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine  (Fukuoka Prefecture)

For those who live in Fukuoka or are there for the new year, the most popular place is undoubtedly the Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine (太宰府天満宮) , dedicated to the scholar Michizane Sugawara, a nobleman from the Heian period.

This shrine brings together more than two million people each year for the New Year, many of them students. Since it’s consecrated to Michizane Sugawara, who was deified after his death and is considered a kind of god of learning, it’s believed that if you ask for academic success in this shrine, you will be assured of success. Although you can also make all kinds of wishes.

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From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee  & Adventure lover 🌏☕️  

I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you 🙋🏼‍♀️   Let’s discover Japan together!

Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.

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First Shrine visit of the year – Hatsumode

The New Year’s holiday is one of the most important events on the Japanese calendar. During the Edo period, everyone was one year old at birth (because they counted the time you were in the womb) and aged one year on New Year’s Day. The beginning of a new year symbolizes a fresh start and people do a thorough cleaning of their homes before stepping into the new year. By the way, according to the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the year of the Metal Ox in Japan.

What is the History of Hatsumode

The first shrine visits on New Year’s date back to the Heian period (794 – 1185) when the head of the household would pray at the family’s shrine in a secluded room. During New Year’s, a god is supposed to visit each one of their shrines to give blessings. People wanted to lessen the burden on the gods by going out and visiting the shrine. During the Edo period (1603 – 1868), praying on New Year’s changed from a secluded room to a public shrine. People would pray at the shrine nearest to that year’s eho (恵方), or “lucky direction”.

Hatsumode was a way to celebrate going from the cold winter to the milder temperatures of spring. The coming of cherry blossoms and growing plants signals a new beginning. When Japan entered the Meiji era (1868), the Japanese government decided to have a standardized calendar instead of the ever-changing Japanese lunar calendar (1873). This made New Year’s day fall in the middle of winter instead of the beginning of spring.

Where to go for Hatsumode

After having celebrated at a Buddhist temple everyone heads to a Shinto shrine to pay their first respects of the year. This may happen right after midnight, as shrines are open with hot food and drink stalls to keep warm. Usually, people visit the shrine for hatsumode during the New Year’s holiday from January 1 through January 3. However, you have roughly until the 7th of January to visit a shrine.

For the best luck, it’s good to follow your eho and visit the nearest shrine. After all, this god is closest to your home and can thus provide the best protection. However, here are some popular shrines to visit for hatsumode in Japan.

1) Imado Jinja – Asakusa, Tokyo

Asakusa is famous for being an area filled with Japanese tradition. Besides the well-known Senso-ji Temple, Imado Jinja is also a popular place for prayer just a 15-minute walk from Asakusa Station. Imado Jinja is a top shrine to visit for hatsumode for people hoping for luck, wealth, love, and finding a good partner for the new year. It also happens to be the birthplace of the popular meneki-neko which you may have seen waving customers in at the front of shops.

2) Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple – Narita, Chiba

As a major gateway for traveling to, from, and around Japan, Narita in Chiba is a suitable home for Narita-san Shinshoji Temple which is known for offering good luck related to traffic safety. This massive temple founded in 940 is also a top destination for hastumode at the beginning of the year.

3) Atsuta Shrine – Nagoya, Aichi

Atsuta Shrine sees plenty of visitors for hatsumode during the New Year’s holiday. If you happen to be visiting Nagoya during this time of year, Atsuta Shrine is well worth a visit. Mostly people come here to pray for safety for the homes and families. Also, the shrine offers good luck for business prosperity.

4) Nikko Toshogu Shrine – Nikko, Tochigi

Nikko stuns visitors with its abundance of Japanese nature and culture, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine is one of the area’s main attractions. People come here to pray for longevity and the realization of an earnest wish. Additionally, it is important because it is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

5) Samukawa Shrine – Samukawa, Kanagawa

Not too far from Tokyo, Kanagawa’s Samukawa Shrine grants traffic safety and protection from evil from all directs. There is also a beautiful garden worth strolling through after praying for protection.

6) Sensoji Temple – Asakusa, Tokyo

Likely one of the most famous temples in Japan, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa sees massive crowds of visitors throughout the year. The area is especially packed as people flock there around the New Year’s holiday for hatsumode. Visitors pray at Sensoji Temple for business prosperity, safety for homes, and good academic performance.

7) Ise Grand Shrine – Ise, Mie

The Ise Grand Shrine in Mie is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. It is considered by many to be the most sacred shrine in Japan, and receives around 6 million visitors each year. The shrine grants home safety and easy childbirth.

8) Izumo Taisha – Izumo, Shimane

For couples, Izumo Taisha is the place to be for a hatsumode prayer, because it offers good luck in marriage and for your home. Although there aren’t any records of when it was built, many believe it to be the oldest shrine in Japan.

9) Fushimi Inari Taisha – Kyoto

Of all the shrines dedicated to the god Inari, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the most important. Because Inari is the God of rice, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine grants a good harvest.

10) Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine – Dazaifu, Fukuoka

Tenmangu shrines are dedicated the Heian period scholar Sugawara Michizane who came to be associated with the Shinto god of education, Tenjin. In fact, the shrine was built around his grave. For this reason, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine grants good luck in academics and job hunting.

What to Wear for Hatsumode

Of course, you could wear whatever you like for hatsumode, as long as it is respectful and warm! If you go during the day you will definitely spot people dressed in kimono amongst the thousands of people queueing to pray for the shrine. Many people will be dressed in kimono for hatsumode as a formal gesture to the shrine or temple. When visiting Japan there are many places where you can rent a kimono. So if you want to make your first prayer of the new year extra special, you can borrow a kimono for hatsumode.

Hatsumode Omokuji and Charms

Besides paying respect, people buy charms and bring their old ones so the temple can burn them. It is unlucky to throw away a charm as a god is believed to reside in it. You can bring any charm you don’t want anymore to a temple and they will professionally take care of it for you.

Buy a mikuji (fortune telling paper) from the Miko (Shinto priestess) and see if this year will be a good one. At big shrines they usually have English mikuji for foreigners, so don’t worry if you can’t read Japanese. If you have a paper with bad luck you tie it to a branch near the shrine, preferably a pine tree. The words for “pine”(松 matsu) and “wait”(待つ matsu) sound similar. Your bad luck will wait by the tree instead of staying with you.

According to an old belief, you should not make a detour when returning home from the shrine. In order not to “spill” any of the good luck, you need to take the shortest way back. If someone died in your family last year you are advised not to visit a shrine either, as “death” is seen as impure. Each shrine and temple has a different view of death, so some shrines might have no problem with this.

According to an old belief, you should not make a detour when returning home from the shrine. In order not to “spill” any of the good luck, you need to take the shortest way back. If someone died in your family last year you are advised not to visit a shrine either, as “death” is seen as impure. Each shrine and temple has a different view of death, so some shrines might have no problem with this.

If you’re still unsure of where to go, you can check out this shrine guide for Hatsumode (Japanese only).

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Pope Francis recognizes miracle needed for the first ‘millennial’ saint: Blessed Carlos Acutis

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis formally recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian teenager whose birth in 1991 will make him the first “millennial” to become a saint.

In a meeting May 23 with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for Saints’ Causes, the pope signed decrees advancing the sainthood causes of Blessed Acutis, as well as one woman, and six men.

The Vatican announced May 23 that the pope had signed the decrees and that he would convene a consistory to set a date for the canonization of Acutis and other future saints: Blesseds Giuseppe Allamano; Marie-Léonie Paradis of Québec, Canada; Elena Guerra; and eight Franciscan friars and three Maronite laymen who were martyred in Damascus, Syria, in 1860.

Blessed Acutis was born and baptized in London to Italian parents in 1991, but the family moved back to Milan, Italy, while he was still an infant.

[Blessed Carlo Acutis watched ‘Pokémon.’ That’s my kind of saint.]

After he started high school, he began to curate, create or design websites, including one for a local parish, for his Jesuit-run high school and for the Pontifical Academy “Cultorum Martyrum,” according to the saints’ dicastery. He also used his computer skills to create an online database of Eucharistic miracles around the world.

He volunteered at a church-run soup kitchen, helped the poor in his neighborhood, assisted children struggling with their homework, played saxophone, soccer and videogames, and loved making videos with his dogs and cats, according to carloacutis.com, the website dedicated to his cause for canonization.

“To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan,” he wrote when he was 7 years old.

He was devoted to Our Lady, praying the rosary every day, and to the Eucharist.

“The Eucarist is the highway to heaven,” he wrote. When people sit in the sun, they get tan, “but when they sit before Eucharistic Jesus, they become saints.”

When he was only 15, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia and died Oct. 12, 2006. He had said, “I’m happy to die because I’ve lived my life without wasting even a minute of it doing things that wouldn’t have pleased God,” according to carloacutis.com.

His mortal remains were moved to the municipal cemetery in Assisi in 2007 to fulfill his wish to be in the city of St. Francis. Then his remains were moved to the Shrine of the Renunciation at the Church of St. Mary Major in Assisi in 2019. He was buried wearing Nike sneakers, black jeans and an athletic warmup jacket -- clothes he was used to wearing every day.

[Carlo Acutis could become the first millennial saint. Here’s the story behind his first miracle.]

In February 2020, the pope formally recognized a miracle attributed to Acutis’ intercession and in October that year, the teen was beatified during a Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis. An estimated 117,000 pilgrims visited the teen’s tomb in just the first year after his beatification, the Diocese of Assisi said the day before his feast day, Oct. 12, 2021.

The two miracles attributed to the intercession of the teen involved alleged miraculous recoveries for a young boy in Brazil in 2013 and a young woman in Florence in 2022.

The miracle Pope Francis recognized May 23 that paves the way for the blessed’s canonization involved a young woman who was born in Costa Rica in 2001 and moved to Florence in 2018 to study.

The woman fell from her bicycle at 4 a.m. July 2, 2022, and suffered a serious head injury, according to the dicastery website. Even after emergency surgery removing part of her skull to reduce severe intracranial pressure, doctors warned her family she could die at any moment.

An associate of the young woman’s mother began praying to Blessed Acutis the same day, and the mother went to Assisi and prayed at the blessed’s tomb July 8 -- the same day the young woman began to breathe on her own again. She slowly recovered basic mobility and a CT scan showed the hemorrhage was gone. After a period of rehabilitation therapy and a complete recovery, she and her mother visited his tomb Sept. 2.

Pope Francis has urged young people to learn about Blessed Acutis, who “did a great deal of good things,” despite his short life.

“Above all, he was impassioned by Jesus; and since he was very good at getting around on the internet, he used it in the service of the Gospel, spreading love for prayer, the witness of faith and charity toward others,” the pope told young Italians Jan. 29.

“Prayer, witness and charity” were the hallmarks of Blessed Acutis’ life and should be a key part of the life of every Christian, he said.

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5 Amazing Catholic sites to visit in Tennessee

Alexander Lukatsky | Shutterstock | St. Peter’s Church | Facebook | Shrine of Virgin of Poor: Andy Coan | Wikipedia | CC BY 2.0 DEED | Sts P&P: Andrew Jameson | Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 3.0 | Collage by Aleteia

5 Amazing Catholic Sites in Tennessee

Catholics in Tennessee are relatively few but strong and growing. About 8% of Tennesseans are Catholic, making it the third-least Catholic state in the country. But the number of Catholics is growing fast: The Diocese of Knoxville alone is ranked among the top 10 in the nation for its rate of adult conversions.

Catholics first visited Tennessee as early as the 1500s, but a stable Catholic presence didn’t appear until the 1800s. The first Catholics to set foot in what is now the state of Tennessee were Spanish explorers. Hernando De Soto and his army landed in present-day Tampa, Florida in 1539, and marched north and west in search of treasure. 

De Soto brought priests with him, but not the Holy Mass. From Europe, the priests had carried wheat and wine for celebrating the Eucharist, but the wheat was lost or destroyed in battle soon after their arrival. They were unable to celebrate Mass or receive Holy Communion for well over a year.

In fact, it would be more than a century before the first Mass was celebrated in the region, when Father Jacques Marquette accompanied the exploratory mission of Louis Joliet in 1682 and celebrated Mass where the Wolf River joined the Mississippi .

Today, Tennessee is home to many beautiful churches, shrines, religious communities, and other important Catholic places. If you’re a resident of the Volunteer State, or just visiting, don’t miss these holy sites. 

1 Cathedral of the Incarnation, Nashville

The Cathedral of the Incarnation is rich in history and tradition.  In 1902, the Nashville bishop acquired the property near Vanderbilt University. Construction on the church itself began in 1910 with the erection of the bell tower and the building was completed and dedicated on July 26, 1914.  

Nashville architect Christian A. Asmus modeled the design of the Cathedral on some of the most famous churches in Italy, especially Santa Maria Novella in Florence. The result is a stylish, elegant, and satisfying ecclesiastical structure decorated in Thirteenth Century Italian Renaissance style.

Today the Cathedral offers many devotions and ministries, as well as an active events calendar including potluck dinners, parties, receptions, movie nights, and children’s events. If you’re in Nashville, hopefully you’ll get a chance to catch one of the cooking classes or tasting nights! We’ve never seen these kinds of events at a cathedral before, but sign us up!

2 St. Peter Catholic Church and St. Martin de Porres National Shrine and Institute, Memphis

You get two sites in one visit at this special spot! Dating from the 1850s, St. Peter’s is the oldest Catholic parish in the region , and the present structure is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Memphis. The present church was built around a smaller church, which was then dismantled and carried out the door. With its vaulted ceilings, Gothic characteristics and upward-thrusting arches, St. Peter Church is a historical masterpiece and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

St. Peter’s is also host to the St. Martin de Porres National Shrine and Institute, a place of prayer, service, and study where pilgrims encounter Christ through the example of St. Martin de Porres, the Apostle of Charity. The shrine is open daily for prayer and sponsors events throughout the year, especially around the time of his feast day on November 3.

3 Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga

This church has quite the history! Sts. Peter and Paul was founded in January 1852, when Father Henry V. Brown — a Presbyterian convert — became the first pastor. Catholics in Chattanooga met for Mass in a number of buildings from the early 1840s through the parish’s early years until 1890, when the current building on Eighth Street was dedicated. 

In one especially wild historical fact, one of the former buildings included a nearly completed stone church that the occupying Union Army demolished in 1863, using the stone for fortifications and culverts!

Ground was broken for a new church in 1888, and the church was dedicated in 1890. The church was likely inspired by England’s York Minster cathedral and features stained glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, yes, of that Tiffany & Co.! 

The cathedral’s principal organist Russell Goode was named a “Chattanooga Living Legend” in 2007, having held the position since 1960. In 2011, the church was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI and underwent a restoration project that was completed in 2019. This beautiful and historic church hosts a huge array of events for all ages and interests and is definitely worth a visit!

4 The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Knoxville

It was determined in 1952 that Knoxville needed a third parish to enable the works of an expanding Catholic population. Six acres of the William Towle farm were purchased in 1953 for this purpose, and the first pastor celebrated the first Mass in the new church at midnight on Christmas 1956. 

Today this parish has become the mother church of the diocese and includes a school and lots of programs and events. An online tour booklet is available for self-guided tours if you get a chance to visit!

5 Shrine of St. Faustina of the Divine Mercy, Bartlett

Housed beside St. Ann’s Catholic Church, the Shrine of St. Faustina of the Divine Mercy is home to first-class relics of St. Faustina and hosts a daily Holy Hour, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Rosary. 

BONUS Virgin of the Poor Shrine, New Hope

For 40 years, this small stone shrine off the beaten path has offered a place for quiet contemplation and prayer for the pilgrims who venture there. Its origin lies with an apparition of Our Lady: In 1933, the Virgin Mary appeared to an 11-year-old girl, Mariette Beco, in Banneux, Belgium. Over two months, she appeared eight times, describing herself as the “Our Lady of the Poor.” This apparition was approved by the local bishop in 1942.

You might be wondering how a Belgian apparition led to a shrine in rural Tennessee, and you can read the whole remarkable story here . We will just say that this peaceful and beautiful spot is the perfect place to pray the Rosary and enjoy some quiet conversation with God!

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Seton Shrine to host Eucharistic Pilgrimage with daylong activities June 6

One of the biggest and most devotional Catholic events of the year is coming through Frederick County, Md., as the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage makes a daylong stop at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg.

Five walking pilgrims on their way from New Haven, Conn., to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, will be joined by worshippers from across the Archdiocese of Baltimore at the Seton Shrine, which is dedicated to the first native-born American to be canonized a Catholic saint.

The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a nationally televised mass (EWTN) celebrated by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori in the shrine’s historic Basilica, where Mother Seton is entombed. The pilgrims will then be joined by worshippers on a 2-mile Eucharistic procession through the streets of Emmitsburg, and then a second 3.7-mile procession to Mount St. Mary’s University and the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Tours are also scheduled of the historic buildings where Mother Seton started the first congregation of women religious in the U.S. and one of the first Catholic schools for girls in the early 1800s. Visitors can also visit the shrine’s new $4 million museum and visitors center.

Catholics believe the Eucharist is the body of Jesus Christ, and processions have long been a way for the faithful to show their devotion. Mother Seton, a convert to Catholicism, experienced an especially intense devotion to the Eucharist that resonates to this day.

The Eastern route of the Eucharistic Pilgrimage, named after Mother Seton, began May 17 and concludes July 16 at the Congress, where pilgrims will meet up with those from three other regional routes.

All procession-related activities at the shrine are free and open to the public, though visitors are asked to register online for planning purposes.

Here's the schedule of activities:

8:30 a.m. — Mass with Archbishop William E. Lori in the Basilica at the Seton Shrine

9:30 a.m. — Solemn Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Emmitsburg

11 a.m. — Lunch is available for purchase from several food trucks at the Seton Shrine (or pack a picnic). Tour the new museum or historic homes and visit the gift shop and basilica. Adoration will also be available at this time in the basilica.

1:30 p.m. — “In the steps of Mother Seton” Walking Pilgrimage from the Seton Shrine to Immaculate Conception Chapel at Mount St. Mary’s, Seminary Chapel, St. Anthony’s Church, and then up the hill to the Grotto Cave

The event takes place at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 339 S Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, Md.

For more information, visit https://setonshrine.org/ .

Woman took her dog to a Montgomery Co. shelter to be euthanized. A year later, the dog is up for adoption again

The Associated Press

May 25, 2024, 10:29 AM

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Exhausted and short on options after consulting two veterinary clinics, Kristie Pereira made the gut-wrenching decision last year to take her desperately ill puppy to a Maryland shelter to be euthanized.

So she was stunned last week to find the dog up for adoption at the same pet rescue organization where she had gotten it.

“I have a lot of questions, but first and foremost, I want him back with me,” Pereira told The Associated Press on Friday.

Pereira, who now lives in San Antonio, said she was working from home in Maryland when she paid $450 in late 2022 to adopt a 2-month-old hound mix from a local group, Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.

She named the puppy Beau, and the two quickly became inseparable. Beau snuggled next to her as she worked, slept in her bed and even tagged along with her when Pereira would leave the house. But within weeks, it became clear something was wrong with the puppy, Pereira said.

A veterinarian concluded that the issue was most likely neurological. Blood tests did show the dog might have a liver problem, so Pereira was sent home with liver enzymes and told that she would “see improvement pretty fast” if Beau’s liver was the issue.

The dog’s condition only worsened. The dog’s veterinarian, the clinic’s lead veterinarian and an animal emergency room veterinarian all agreed the dog’s inability to control his bowels and lift his hind legs pointed to a severe neurological problem, Pereira said.

The cost to run a series of tests to find out, she said, was quoted as high as $12,000. Despite the sticker shock, Pereira, 32, who works in digital marketing, said she would have found a way to pay it if it would save Beau.

Instead, she was told “there’s a very slim chance of finding what is wrong,” she recalled. “And even if we do, there’s an even smaller chance of it being something that we can fix.”

That is when they began suggesting that it might be more humane to euthanize the puppy. She wasn’t ready to consider that option, she said, and held out for another month.

Throughout all of it, Pereira said, she was consulting staff at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue.

“Honestly, I mean, after I talked to them is really when I felt, you know, that I was going to be doing the right thing by putting him down,” Pereira said. “They really gave me that support and that encouragement that, although it’s hard, sometimes that’s the best thing to do.”

Following several sleepless nights with Beau clearly in pain, Pereira said she took Beau to Montgomery County Animal Services in Derwood, Maryland, in late March 2023 and paid $15 for him to be euthanized. She was told that the shelter’s policy does not allow people to stay with their pets as they are put down.

It was during a visit to see her mother in Maryland last week that curiosity sent her to the rescue’s website to check out dogs up for adoption — and spotted Beau’s picture. The puppy was bigger but had the same markings and bore the name the rescue had given him before she adopted him: Amos Hart, based on a character in the musical “Chicago.”

Calls to the shelter confirmed that her dog had not been euthanized after veterinarians there didn’t think he needed to be. The shelter instead called Lost Dog & Cat Rescue and turned the puppy back over to them.

The rescue confirmed that Friday in a written statement, giving an extensive timeline showing that its veterinarians found no neurological issues with the dog. After tests diagnosing a liver problem and a $7,000 surgery — paid for through a GoFundMe campaign — the dog was declared healthy.

None of it was shared with Pereira, who said Friday she would pay the $7,000 cost to get Beau back. It took several days for anyone at the rescue to return her calls, she said, and when they did, it was not anyone Pereira had talked with before.

“The person that called me was so rude and just disrespectful and just being really nasty towards me,” she said, breaking down in tears. “Just saying, you know, that I abandoned him, and that I left him to die. That I never cared about him.”

Pereira was told that the dog “will never go back to you.” Then the person hung up.

Rescue spokesperson Chloe Floyd would not answer questions about whether someone at the rescue said those things to Pereira. But she defended the decision not to return the dog.

“LDCRF does not re-home an owner-surrendered dog with its former adopter/owner,” Floyd said in her written statement. “Our mission is to save adoptable and safe-to-the-community dogs from euthanasia.”

The rescue acknowledged that it had spoken to Pereira during her deliberation about whether to euthanize the puppy, but it said it had made clear to her the importance of taking the dog to a veterinarian that would allow her to be with the animal when it was euthanized. If she could not do that, it emphasized, the rescue would take the dog back.

The rescue and the shelter both faulted Pereira for not consenting to the extensive testing to see if it was suffering neurological issues.

Caroline Hairfield, executive director of Montgomery County Animal Services, said that it is bound by contract to return surrendered animals back to the rescue and that its hands are tied.

Hairfield said of Pereira that “everyone feels for her,” but that it’s up to the rescue on whether it will return the dog to her.

“That’s a civil issue between the two of them,” she said. “We haven’t had the animal in our care for a year.”

The dog remained available for adoption Friday on the rescue’s website.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Former President Donald Trump will hold a campaign rally in the South Bronx next week, and his first major gathering of supporters in his native state since his first White House bid comes on the heels of a record-breaking event at the Jersey Shore.

The May 23 rally will take place at 6 p.m. in Crotona Park, and the Trump campaign has a permit for up to 3,500 people to attend, his campaign announced Friday.

Trump, 77, is expected to speak on the Empire State’s economy, crime rate and migrant crisis. It’s his first rally in his birth state since Buffalo in 2016. 

“New Yorkers have suffered greatly thanks to Biden’s failed policies,” Team Trump said in the announcement.

“The Empire State, a place near to President Trump’s heart, has been decimated by Biden,” it continued.

“President Trump will ease the financial pressures placed on households and re-establish law and order in New York!” 

The Trump campaign highlighted double-digit percentage point increases in murder and assault rates in New York since 2019, and a surge in the cost of goods in the state since Biden, 81, took office. 

“We can Make America Great Again by tackling lawlessness head-on, ceasing the endless flow of illegal immigrants across our southern border, and reversing the detrimental effects of inflation by restoring people’s wealth,” the statement concluded. 

Trump, a native New Yorker who officially moved to his Florida Mar-a-Lago resort in 2019 , has frequently been in Manhattan of late as he stands trial over alleged hush-money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels. 

On at least two occasions, the former president has made public post-court stops in the Big Apple with his 2024 campaign team. 

On April 16, the day after the start of the trial, Trump visited the Harlem bodega where clerk Jose Alba was hit with a murder charge for fatally stabbing an assailant who went behind the counter to attack him. The murder charge was eventually dropped. 

Throngs of Trump supporters descended outside the bodega during the event. 

A few weeks later, on May 2, Trump and his campaign team delivered pizzas to a Manhattan firehouse after his day in court. 

On Saturday, Trump held a rally in Wildwood, NJ, that drew an estimated crowd of between 80,000 and 100,000 people — a record for a Garden State political rally. 

An April Siena College poll showed Biden up 10 points on Trump in the Empire State. 

Biden is also ahead in New Jersey, where a survey released by Emerson College Polling in March showed the incumbent up by 7 points. 

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