[2026] Introducing 5 Kyoto's best first shrine visit spots and New Year's events!

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Hotel Noum OSAKA: Enjoy both Osaka and Kyoto

Hotel Noum OSAKA in Tenmabashi, Osaka, can be reached from Gion-Shijo, the heart of Kyoto, in about 45 minutes by Keihan train , without any transfers. It's the perfect location for those who want to mainly visit Osaka but also want to extend their trip to Kyoto.

2026 Edition: Top 5 New Year's Shrine Visit Spots in Kyoto

We will introduce Kyoto's first shrine visit spots and various events held in the New Year.

• Table of Contents
• Celebrate the New Year at the bustling Yasaka Shrine
• Write your first calligraphy at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, famous for the god of learning
• Get rid of evil spirits at Kamigamo Shrine, a World Heritage Site
• Pray for good health and safety in the new year at Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple
• Find a bargain at Toji Temple at the beginning of the year
• We recommend staying at Hotel Noum OSAKA as your base for your Kansai trip!

Celebrate the New Year at the bustling Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is visited by many people throughout the year. On January 3rd, the Karuta Opening Ceremony is held, and is recommended for those who want to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Picture courtesy of Photo AC

Write your first calligraphy at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, famous for the god of learning

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is also famous as a spot to see plum blossoms and autumn leaves. From January 2nd to 4th, the Brush Festival and Tenma Calligraphy Festival are held. At the Brush Festival, people pray for improvement in their calligraphy skills, and at Tenma Calligraphy, people can try their hand at calligraphy.

Picture courtesy of Photo AC

Get rid of evil spirits at Kamigamo Shrine, a World Heritage Site

Kamigamo Shrine is home to a variety of festivals held during the New Year. The Mushajinji, held on January 16th, involves shooting arrows at a target marked with the word "oni" (demon) to ward off evil spirits. Watch out for the sight of arrows being shot one after the other.

Picture courtesy of Photo AC

Pray for good health and safety in the new year at Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple

Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple was founded by the monk Kuya in the mid-Heian period. Every year from January 1st to 3rd, Oubukucha tea, brewed with fresh water drawn on New Year's Day, is served in prayer for good health and safety throughout the year.

*Imperial tea is 300 yen

Picture courtesy of Photo AC

Find a bargain at Toji Temple at the beginning of the year

Kobo Market is a festival held at Toji Temple on the 21st of every month. The January Kobo Market is called "Hatsukobo" and is lined with many stalls selling antiques, pottery, plants, and more. There are also food stalls, creating a festival-like atmosphere.

Picture courtesy of Unsplash

We recommend staying at Hotel Noum OSAKA as your base for your Kansai trip!

Hotel Noum OSAKA allows you to store your luggage before check-in and after check-out. If you leave your luggage before check-in and head to Kyoto, you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing.

Make a reservation for "Hotel Noum OSAKA" here