Hatsumode near Tokyo: 10 Shrines to Visit at New Year 2025

New Year Shrine Visits near Tokyo

In the Kanto Region where Tokyo is located, there are many historic shrines and temples that have been cherished by people since ancient times. Many worshippers visit these sites for their first shrine visit of the year, a custom known as hatsumode.

There are shrines reputed to bring good luck in finding a marriage partner, as well as those famous for warding off bad luck and promoting prosperity in business. Each region in Japan features locations that offer a variety of appealing attributes for shrine-goers.

In this article, we have carefully selected ten top-ranked and famous shrines and temples in the Kanto Region that we recommend for hatsumode in 2025.

2025 Hatsumode Spots around Tokyo

Tokyo
1. Tokyo Daijingu Shrine
2. Meiji Jingu Shrine
3. Okunitama Shrine
Kanagawa
4. Iseyama Kotai Jingu Shrine (Yokohama)
5. Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Shrine (Kawasaki)
6. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (Kamakura)
Chiba
7. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (Narita)
8. Chiba Shrine (Chiba)
Saitama
9. Hikawa Shrine (Saitama)
10. Iwatsuki Sochinju Hisaizu Shrine (Saitama)

Hatsumode Spots in the Tokyo Area

1. Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

Picure courtesy of Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine was built in 1880 and is popularly known as "Tokyo's Ise Shrine."

Originally built as a place of worship for Ise Shrine, it's also famous as the first shrine in Japan to conduct a Shinto wedding ceremony. For that reason, it has become a popular spot that's visited by many young worshippers seeking a marriage partner.

Five gods including Amaterasu Omikami and Toyoke Okami are enshrined at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. So it's crowded with many people who come to pray for success in love and a harmonious family. The temple precincts are located in the heart of the city and are always surrounded by pure air, giving visitors a sense of peace and tranquility.

The shrine is especially busy during the first visit of the year, and is overflowing with worshippers praying for a good marriage partner. The shrine also has many good luck charms and ema wooden tablets for success in love, so this is the ideal spot for bringing in good luck for the coming year!

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine
Location: Tokyo, Chiyoda, Fujimi 2-4-1
Visiting Hours: No special information regarding time listed on the homepage. Generally speaking, late-night worship is possible from New Year's Eve until New Year's Day. Please check the official homepage beforehand.
Official Homepage: Tokyo Daijingu Shrine
Official Instagram: Instagram
Official X (former Twitter): X (former Twitter)

2. Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu is a shrine that was established in 1920 to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is one of Tokyo's leading hatsumode spots.

Surrounding the shrine is a sprawling manmade forest called Eien no Mori (The Eternal Forest). It was created through the donation of some 100,000 trees from throughout Japan, and this peaceful and tranquil natural oasis is a source of fascination for visitors.

Both Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are worshipped here, and the shrine is known for bestowing numerous blessings including national peace and security, safety in the home, good fortune, and protection from evil.

In particular, every year Meiji Jingu records the largest number of worshippers for hatsumode of any spot in Japan. During the first three days of the new year it's famous for attracting upwards of three million visitors.

The traditional wooden shaden, or main shrine building, stands proudly on the precincts and creates an atmosphere of purity. Meiji Jingu is also located right near Harajuku Station. So when you take one step onto the shrine precincts, the dignified atmosphere and air of tranquility allows you to forget all about the hustle and bustle of the city.

It's expected to be very crowded for the New Year's first visit, so we recommend coming in the early morning or evening.

Meiji Jingu Shrine
Location: Tokyo, Shibuya, Yoyogi, Kamizono 1-1
Visiting Hours (during Hatsumode):
December 31 From 6:40 - 00:00
January 1 From 00:00 - 18:30
January 2 From 6:40 - 18:00
January 3 From 6:40 - 18:00
January 4 From 6:40 - 17:30
January 5 to January 31 From 6:40 - 16:20
*Please check the official homepage for the most up to date information.
Official Homepage: Meiji Jingu Shrine
Official YouTube: YouTube (Japanese)

3. Okunitama Shrine

Picure courtesy of Okunitama Shrine (Japanese)

Okunitama Shrine is a historic shrine sitting in greater Tokyo's Fuchu City.

Its history dates back 1,900 years and is widely known for having been the head shrine of Musashi Province (Musashi-no-kuni), a former province covering the present-day areas of Tokyo, most of Saitama Prefecture and part of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Okunitama no Okami, the deity that's enshrined at Okunitama Shrine, is revered as a god that bestows a wide range of blessings upon worshippers. These include medical treatment and protection from evil, as well as prosperity in business. The shrine is especially famous as a spot for warding off evil spirits and bad luck, and is visited by many worshippers every year.

On the precincts the Hatsu Taiko Ceremony is held at midnight on New Year's Day. The refreshing, brisk sound of the taiko drums ushers in the start of a new year. The Kagura Hall and the corner where ema tablets are displayed are crowded and bustling with visitors who've come to pray for good luck and safety for their home. Here you can experience a level of excitement and energy that's unique to hatsumode.

During the Heian Period (794-1185), the shrine flourished as the center of Musashi Province, and gained the faith of many samurai and common people. During the Edo Period (1603-1868) it even gained the respect of the Tokugawa family. To this day it is loved as the guardian deity of the region.

It's expected to be very busy and crowded at New Year's on the first three days, so we recommend adjusting the time of your visit accordingly.

Okunitama Shrine
Location: Tokyo, Fuchu, Miyamachi 3-1
Visiting Hours (during Hatsumode):
December 31 Starting from 6:30
January 1 Finishing at 21:00
January 2 From 6:30 - 20:00
January 3 From 6:30 - 19:00
January 4 From 6:30 - 17:00
*Please check the official homepage for the most up to date information.
Official Homepage: Okunitama Shrine (Japanese)

Hatsumode Spots in the Kanagawa Area

4. Iseyama Kotai Jingu Shrine

Iseyama Kotai Jingu Shrine is located in Yokohama and is commonly known as the "Kanto Area's Ise Shrine." It was founded in 1870 and enshrines Amaterasu Omikami as its main deity. It's one of the oldest shrines in Yokohama.

Despite being located in the center of Yokohama, it has a solemn atmosphere that's loved by many worshippers.

Its history dates back to the Meiji Restoration and the subsequent opening of the Port of Yokohama, when it was built as a spiritual pillar for the local residents. Along with Yokohama's development as a port town, the shrine has come to be worshipped by the local people and business community.

During each season the precincts are filled with beautiful scenery that spreads out in front of you. The approach to the shrine in particular is adorned with colorful decorations during the hatsumode season.

From January 1 to 3 it will be bustling with many visitors and it's expected to be crowded for the entire day. If you adjust the time of your visit to the early morning or evening when it's relatively less crowded, you'll be sure to have a smoother experience.

There are also many spots near the shrine where you can enjoy Yokohama's beautiful scenery. So another attractive feature is being able to enjoy some sightseeing before or after you do hatsumode.

Iseyama Kotai Jingu Shrine
Location: Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi, Miyazaki 64
Visiting Hours: No special information regarding time listed on the homepage. It is expected to be crowded so please check the official homepage beforehand.
Official Homepage: Iseyama Kotai Jingu Shrine (Japanese)
Official Instagram: Instagram
Official Facebook: Facebook

5. Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple

Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple, commonly referred to as "Yakuyoke no Odaishi-sama," is located in Kawasaki City. It's official name is Heikenji Temple. It was established in 1128 and is the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, with Kobo Daishi as its main deity.

The temple's history got its start with a samurai named Hirama Kanemori who had a curious dream at night. It's been said that the temple had its origins in the enshrining of a statue of the famous monk Kobo Daishi, which was pulled up from the Tama River following the prophecy in this dream.

From the end of the Heian Period up to the Kamakura Period, the temple flourished as the center of Buddhist culture. Then in modern times it became a center of faith for the common people.

Kawasaki Daishi's famous event is Gantan Negai Okigoma. This is a special Buddhist service that's held at midnight on New Year's Day, in which worshippers pray for protection from evil and bad luck.

The good luck charms and goshuin seal stamps that are sold on the temple precincts are also very popular. Here, in one place, visitors can collect four different seal stamps making this an unusual spot. It's also famous for being one of the most visited shrines in Japan during the hatsumode season.

Another temple highlight is the Nakamise Shotengai. During hatsumode this shopping street is lined with many food stalls, and visitors can enjoy watching candy being made as well as local specialties.

It gets extremely crowded so we recommend taking the train or some other form of public transit to get here. If you come here early in the morning or in the evening it'll be relatively less crowded.

Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple
Location: Kanagawa, Kawasaki, Kawasaki, Daisahi 4-48
Visiting Hours (during Hatsumode):
December 31 Starting at 6:00 and open all day
January 1 Up until 20:30
January 2, 3 From 6:00 - 19:30
January 4 to 7 From 6:00 - 18:30
Sundays and public holidays From 6:00 - 18:30
January 20 From 6:00 - 21:00
January 21 From 5:30 - 18:30
Other days are from 6:00 - 18:00
*Please check the official homepage for the most up to date information.
Official Homepage: Kawasaki Daishi
Official Instagram: Instagram
Official YouTube: Youtube

6. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Photo by Photo AC

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is located in Kamakura and is one of Japan's most historic shrines.

It was built in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi. Then after it was moved to its present location in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoritomo, it played a vital role as the guardian deity of the Kamakura Shogunate. As the center of Kamakura culture it was also the site for many historical events and continues to carry on its traditions and prestige even today.

The enshrined deities here are Emperor Ojin, Himejin, and Empress Jingu, and the shrine is said to offer a wide range of blessings including safety at home, business prosperity, and traffic safety.

The vermillion-painted buildings including the main shrine building (shaden) have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties and are truly an impressive sight. During hatsumode the shrine is visited by about 2.5 million people. It is especially crowded with food stalls and worshippers from New Year's Eve until New Year's Day.

The shrine precincts also feature the Genji Pond and the Heike Pond. These represent the prosperity of the Genji (Minamoto clan) and the decline of the Heike (Taira clan), conveying the weight of history to everyone who visits here.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Location: Kanagawa, Kamakura, Yukinoshita 2-1-31
Visiting Hours (during Hatsumode):
December 31 Starting from 6:00
January 1 Finishing at 21:00
January 2 From 6:00 - 20:00
January 3 From 6:00 - 19:30
January 4 From 6:00 - 17:00
*Please check the official homepage for the most up to date information.
Official Homepage: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Official Instagram: Instagram
Official YouTube: YouTube

Hatsumode Spots in the Chiba Area

7. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple sits in Chiba Prefecture's Narita City. It has a history exceeding 1,000 years and is a famous temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.

The temple enshrines Fudo Myo-o (a Buddhist deity also known as Acala) whose sacred statue was said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) during the middle of the Heian Period.

Naritasan is said to have been founded as a place to pray for an end to a civil war, the Taira no Masakado Rebellion. Since then, it has continued to be worshipped as "Naritasan's Fudo Myo-o." It's formality and divine power continued to spread during the Edo Period when the Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro became a devoted member. This led to many worshippers visiting the temple.

The name Shinshoji means "New Victory Temple," and is known for its many benefits including prayers for good luck and success as well as protection from evil and bad luck.

The sprawling temple precincts is home to many architectural highlights including the solemn and magnificent main hall (daihondo), the shakado, designated as an Important Cultural Property, and the Three-Storied Pagoda. Visitors here can experience firsthand the temple's history and culture.

During the hatsumode period, New Year's limited edition good luck charms are available and Goma-kito (Buddhist fire ritual) is performed. Also, the approach leading to the temple is lined with famous shops selling eel dishes (unagi), so there are more things to enjoy after your temple visit.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Location: Chiba, Narita, Narita 1
Visiting Hours (during Hatsumode):
December 31 Starting from 6:00
January 1 Finishing at 20:30
January 2, 3 From 6:00 - 19:30
January 4 to 7 From 6:00 - 18:30
Sundays and public holidays From 6:00 - 18:30
January 20 From 6:00 - 21:00
January 21 From 5:30 - 18:30
Other days are from 6:00 - 18:00
*Please check the official homepage for the most up to date information.
Official Homepage: Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Official Instagram: Instagram

8. Chiba Shrine

Picure courtesy of Chiba Shrine official homepage

Chiba Shrine is located in Chiba City. It is one of the principal centers for Myoken worship, which is rare in Japan, and stars and celestial bodies are enshrined here. Its history dates back to when the Chiba clan enshrined Myoken Daibosatsu (Great Bodhisattva of Myoken) as their guardian deity.

The main deity here is Myoken Bosatsu who symbolizes heavenly bodies and the North Star. The shrine is known for its star-related blessings for good luck, protection from evil, and improvement of one's personal fortune, and attracts many worshippers.

Chiba Shrine is especially famous for its prayers to ward off evil and bad luck and the Hoshi Matsuri (Star Festival). It's a place of worship for people who are approaching a bad luck year (yakudoshi).

Also, the main building (honden) features an unusual architectural style based on an octagonal shape. It was designed with celestial bodies in mind. During hatsumode in 2025 as well, there are plans to sell special star-related good luck charms and hold Hoshi Matsuri special Buddhist prayers.

The shrine precincts have a beautiful garden and a facility for worship, so visitors can pray in peace and tranquility. Also, the shrine is open all throughout the year, including the visiting hours from New Year's Eve until New Year's Day, so it's bustling with many worshippers. For people who wish upon the stars, Chiba Shrine is a special place of hope for the new year.

Chiba Shrine
Location: Chiba, Chiba, Chuo, Innai 1-16-1
Visiting Hours (during Hatsumode):
December 31 Starting from 6:00 (open all night)
January 1 Finishing at 21:00
January 2 From 6:00 - 20:00
January 3 From 6:00 - 19:30
January 4 and after From 6:00 - 18:00
*Please check the official homepage for the most up to date information.
Official Homepage: Chiba Shrine (Japanese)

Hatsumode Spots in the Saitama Area

9. Hikawa Shrine

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Hikawa Shrine is located in Saitama City. It boasts a history of more than 2,400 years and is one of Japan's oldest shrines.

The shrine was founded during the reign of Japan's fifth emperor, Emperor Kosho. It has long been a place of worship for the local residents as the highest-ranking shrine (ichinomiya) in the former Musashi Province.

The main deities enshrined here are Susano-no-mikoto, Inadahime-no-Mikoto, and Onamuchi-no-mikoto. Each are known for offering blessings such as warding off evil, bringing good luck in love, and promoting nation-building.

During the Meiji Period, Emperor Meiji held three ceremonies here after moving the capital to Tokyo, so the shrine is considered to be of national importance. Also, because the shrine has the name "Hikawa," which comes from the Hii River (kawa) in the former Izumo Province, it was the center of water-related rituals from ancient times.

The expansive grounds of the shrine cover an area of about 25 acres and are enveloped by abundant natural surroundings. The shrine's approach is lined with many zelkova and camphor trees, and many people also come here to enjoy a leisurely stroll.

For hatsumode 2025, the gates will be open for a longer period of time―from 6:00 on December 31 until 22:30 on January 1―so many visitors are expected.

Hikawa Shrine
Location: Saitama, Saitama, Omiya, Takahanacho 1-407
Visiting Hours (during Hatsumode):
December 31 to January 1 From 6:00 - 22:30
January 2 From 6:00 - 22:00
January 3 From 6:00 - 21:30
January 4 and after From 6:00 - 17:00
*Please check the official homepage for the most up to date information.
Official Homepage: Hikawa Shrine (Japanese)
Official Instagram: Instagram

10. Iwatsuki Sochinju Hisaizu Shrine

Picture courtesy of Hisaizu Shrine official homepage

Hisaizu Shrine is situated in Iwatsuki Ward in Saitama Prefecture's Saitama City. It's an ancient shrine that is said to have been built during the reign of Emperor Kinmei.

The shrine got its start when the Haji clan of the Izumo tribe enshrined Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. Then during the Heian Period it was revered by the Noyo Party and Kisai Party, part of the Musashi-shichito Parties (seven parties of samurai in Musashi Province).

During the Warring States Period (Sengoku Jidai), it was valued as the guardian deity of Iwatsuki Castle. It was heavily protected by the castle's lords, Ota Dosho and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The temple grounds are surrounded by a vast forest that covers an area of about eight acres. The shrine's main deity, Okuninushi-no-Mikoto is known as the God of Marriage.

During hatsumode, the shrine is open all day on January 1 and they are planning to hold gagaku (ancient Japanese court music) and taiko drum performances. So visitors will be able to enjoy some traditional events here.

This spot is recommended for people who would like to pray for a safe childbirth, those looking for a marriage partner, and those seeking greater success in their life.

Iwatsuki Sochinju Hisaizu Shrine
Location: Saitama, Saitama, Iwatsuki, Miya 2-6-55
Visiting Hours (during Hatsumode):
January 1 Starting from 00:00 (prayer service available 24 hours a day)
January 2 From 8:00 - 18:00
January 3 From 8:00 - 17:00
January 4 and after From 9:00 - 16:00
*Please check the official homepage for the most up to date information.
Official Homepage: Hisaizu Shrine (Japanese)
Official Instagram: Instagram
Official Facebook: Facebook

Enjoy New Year Shrine Visits around Tokyo

The Kanto Region is dotted with many hatsumode spots with long histories and traditions. So these are special places that are perfect for welcoming in the new year.

So how about heading to a shrine that offers prayers for finding a marriage partner, warding off evil, and gaining business prosperity, then starting off the new year with a clean slate?

When visiting during hatsumode, please check the latest information regarding crowds and traffic restrictions, and allow yourself plenty of time.