Hatsumode - New Year Shrine Visits

Hatsumode is Japan’s most widely observed annual tradition: the first shrine or temple visit of the new year, made during the first three days of January. Around 100 million Japanese people — roughly 80% of the population — make a hatsumode visit in the first week of January. The practice involves praying for good fortune in the year ahead, purchasing new omamori (protective charms), writing wishes on ema (wooden boards), and drawing omikuji fortune slips. For visitors, it is one of the most accessible and genuine cultural experiences the country offers, requiring no ticket or prior knowledge.

Major Hatsumode Destinations

Meiji Jingu (Tokyo) consistently records the highest attendance of any shrine or temple in Japan, receiving approximately 3 million visitors in the first three days of January. The approach through the wooded path from Harajuku Station is striking at any time, but on New Year’s Eve and the following days it is lined with lanterns and dense with people. The mood is festive and patient rather than chaotic; long queues move steadily.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (Chiba) is the second most visited site nationally, drawing around 3 million visitors. Located in Narita, it is easily combined with an arrival or departure through Narita Airport.

Sensoji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) draws approximately 2.8 million visitors in the new year period. The giant paper lantern at Kaminarimon gate provides the most recognised setting for new year photography.

Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto) is open throughout the night on 31 December and 1 January, allowing visitors to hike the famous torii-gate mountain trail under lantern light — one of Japan’s most atmospheric new year experiences.

What to Do at a Shrine

On arrival, purify your hands at the temizuya water basin (ladle water over each hand). Approach the main hall, toss a coin into the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, pray silently, and bow once more. This is the standard procedure at Shinto shrines; Buddhist temples use a slightly different approach (no clapping). After praying, purchase an omikuji fortune slip — these are tied to designated frames or wire if the fortune is bad, or kept if it is good. New omamori for the year ahead (approximately 500-1,000 yen each) replace the previous year’s charms, which are returned to the shrine for ritual disposal.

Practical Tips

The first three days of January are among the most crowded in Japan. Major transport hubs in Tokyo and Osaka run additional services but still become packed from midnight on 31 December through the morning of 1 January. Many shops, restaurants, and attractions close on 1-3 January; convenience stores are the most reliable food option. Plan food accordingly and carry cash. The atmosphere at night on 31 December and through the early morning of 1 January is exceptional — this is when Japan’s cities feel most distinctly Japanese to outside visitors.