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

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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!

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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?

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

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

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

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.

The Offering of Old Charms and Amulets

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

Photo by Pixta
It's customary for people to purchase amulets and good-luck charms at the start of the new year. By bringing charms purchased in the previous year and offering them to deities enshrined at the shrine or temple, your items will be purified and burned as they return to the heavens.

Ema: Wooden Wishing Plaques

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

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

Draw Your Fortune

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

Photo by Pixta

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.

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

Japanese Encylopedia: Hatsumode

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

Japanese Encylopedia: Hatsumode

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

Japanese Encylopedia: Hatsumode

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

Japanese Encylopedia: Hatsumode

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?

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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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