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Kyoto Hatsumode 2025: Top 10 Shrines and Temples to Visit at New Year

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In this article, we introduce 10 recommended shrines and temples in Kyoto for hatsumode, the New Year shrine visit. We also provide information on lesser-known and less crowded locations, so be sure to use this as a reference when planning your hatsumode visit in Kyoto.

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After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a scriptwriting course for three and a half years with the aim of becoming a screenwriter. After that, I started working as a writer to utilize my writing skills. At MATCHA, I mainly write articles introducing places to go out, but so far I have been involved in creating articles related to beauty, rental cars, and MVNO.

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The First Shrine Visit of the Year in Kyoto

Kyoto is home to numerous historic temples and shrines, attracting many visitors for hatsumode, the New Year shrine visit.

In this article, we will introduce 10 of the best Kyoto shrines and temples to visit at New Year's, featuring popular spots like Heian Jingu Shrine and Yasaka Shrine to hidden gems

Kyoto Shrines and Temples for the New Year Visit

1. Heian Jingu Shrine
2. Fushimi Inari Taisha
3. Yasaka Shrine
4. Iwashimizu Hachimangu
5. Shimogamo Shrine
6. Kitano Tenmangu
7. Kifune Shrine
8. Kiyomizudera Temple
9. Kamigamo Shrine
10. Ninnaji Temple

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1. Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Shrine

Heian Jingu Shrine is a popular New Year's visiting spot that was established to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heian (now Kyoto) in 794, attracting about 400,000 visitors during the first three days of the New Year.

A visit to Heian Jingu is said to bring various blessings such as good luck, protection from misfortune, academic success, prosperous business, and matchmaking. Additionally, at the talisman issuing office, you can receive various auspicious items, including sacred arrows and zodiac wood carvings.

Due to the crowds on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, it is recommended to visit on the morning or evening of January 2nd or later. The stalls along the pathway leading to the shrine sell amazake (a sweet, non-alcoholic rice beverage) allowing you to stay warm even in the cold.

2. Fushimi Inari Taisha Grand Shrine

fushimi inari taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of the Inari shrines located throughout the country. It is famous for its blessings of prosperity in business, drawing as many as 2.5 million visitors during the first three days of the New Year.

The approach to the shrine features various food stalls, offering delicious gourmet options such as Inari-zushi, kushikatsu (skewered fried meat), and duck nanban soba. You can also purchase local specialties and auspicious items.

Fushimi Inari Taisha tends to be very crowded on New Year's Day and during the first three days of the year, so if you wish to visit for a more leisurely New Year's homage, it is recommended to go after January 4th.

  • Spot Name
    		•  Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • Address
    		•  68 Fukakusa Yabunuchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City
  • Visiting Hours
    		•  - December 31: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    - January 1: Open all day
    - January 2, 3: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
    - January 4, 5: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Official Website
    		•  https://inari.jp/
  • Official SNS
    		•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fushimiinaritaisha_official

3. Yasaka Shrine

yasaka shrine

Yasaka Shrine is located in the heart of Gion and is affectionately known by the locals as Gion-san. It is one of Kyoto's popular New Year's visiting spots, attracting over 1 million visitors during the first three days of the New Year.

The shrine is known for its blessings of matchmaking, and the "wish-granting rabbit", inspired by the myth of Inaba no Shirousagi, is especially popular. In addition to talismans, visitors can also receive sacred arrows and zodiac-themed clay bells as auspicious items.

From around 7:30 PM on New Year's Eve to around 5:00 AM on New Year's Day, visitors can participate in a special ceremony called Okera-mairi, which is dedicated to prayers for health and protection from misfortune.

4. Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine

iwashimizu hachimangu shrine

Iwashimizu Hachimangu is a shrine located at the summit of Mount Otokoyama, and it is a popular New Year's visiting spot that attracts 100,000 visitors each year.

It is well-known as a shrine with exceptional blessings for protection from misfortune, making it ideal for rituals against misfortune during especially difficult years and for the "shimon-sans" (thirteen-year visit). Additionally, it is also a power spot for victory prayers, making it popular among students preparing for entrance exams and athletes.

During the first three days of the New Year, traffic regulations are enforced, and parking is not allowed, so it is recommended to use public transportation when visiting for New Year's.

5. Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine is one of the top power spots in Kyoto and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although it is a famous shrine, it tends to be less crowded compared to other shrines, making it a great choice for those who wish to visit at a leisurely pace.

The shrine is known for its blessings of matchmaking and safe childbirth, making it popular among couples and families. Additionally, you can receive the lace amulet, which has been widely talked about on social media for being too cute.

The approach to the shrine is lined with food stalls, where you can enjoy various delicacies, including the Mitarashi dango, which is said to have originated at Shimogamo Shrine. Be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself!

6. Kitano Tenmangu

Recommended New Year's Visiting Spots in Kyoto 2025

Kitano Tenmangu is a shrine located in the Kita-ku district of Kyoto and is also known for its beautiful plum blossoms and autumn leaves.

Within the grounds, the deity Sugawara no Michizane, who is renowned as the god of learning, is enshrined. It becomes especially lively during the first three days of the New Year with many students seeking blessings for academic success.

If you want to avoid the crowds when visiting during the first three days, it is advisable to go either first thing in the morning or after 6:00 PM.

7. Kifune Shrine

kibune shrine

Kifune Shrine, located in Kyoto's Sakyo ward, is the main shrine dedicated to water deities, with over 2,000 branches nationwide. It is less crowded compared to other shrines, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed New Year's visit.

Known for its blessings of matchmaking and romantic success, the shrine attracts many couples and female visitors each year. The Musubi Amulet, with its cute colors and shapes, is especially popular and sure to stand out on social media!

Situated in a mountainous area, Kifune Shrine often experiences snowfall during New Year's Eve and the first three days of the year, so be sure to dress warmly when you visit.

8. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the cultural assets of the World Heritage site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Every year, many visitors come to pay their respects during the New Year.

The three waterfalls of Otowa Waterfall within the temple grounds are said to offer blessings for longevity, academic success, and matchmaking.

During the first three days of the New Year, visitors can start paying their respects early in the morning, and viewing the first sunrise of the year from the famous wooden stage is a must-see! However, it is expected to be very crowded, so it is recommended to arrive as early as possible, preferably before sunrise.

9. Kamigamo Shrine

kamigamo shrine

Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, dedicated to the ancestral deity of the Kamo clan, making it a shrine of great historical significance. It is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Tatezuna (standing sand) within the grounds being particularly famous.

Known for its blessings of good fortune, protection from misfortune, and household safety, Kamigamo Shrine is widely revered. During the New Year, many visitors come to pray for happiness in the year ahead, creating a lively atmosphere.

The shrine is beautifully adorned with decorations for the New Year, and exclusive auspicious items are also distributed, so if you're interested, be sure to visit!

10. Ninnaji Temple

ninnaji temple

Ninnaji Temple, located in Kyoto's Ukyo ward, is the head temple of the Shingon Omuro sect.

The temple is known for its blessings of protection from misfortune and health prayers, making it especially popular among visitors wishing for longevity. During the first three days of the New Year, special prayers are held, attracting many people who come to pray for health and tranquility.

To avoid the crowds when visiting, it is recommended to go early in the morning or after the evening.

  • Spot Name
    		•  Ninnaji Temple
  • Address
    		•  33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • Visiting Hours
    		•  Second Torii Gate
    - December 31: 5:30 AM –
    - January 1: Open until 6:00 PM
    - January 2 – 5: 5:30 AM – 5:30 PM

    South Gate
    - December 31: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    - January 1: 12:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    - January 2 – 5: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    Middle Gate
    - January 1: 12:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    - January 2 – 5: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Official Website
    		•  https://ninnaji.jp/
  • Official SNS
    		•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninnajitemple/
    X: https://twitter.com/Ninna_ji

Enjoy the New Year Celebrations in Kyoto

In this article, we introduced the top 10 recommended New Year's visiting spots in Kyoto for those looking to celebrate Hatsumode.

In addition to popular locations such as Heian Shrine and Yasaka Shrine, we also highlighted lesser-known spots for those who wish to avoid the crowds, so be sure to visit these sites at least once!

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Main image by Pixta

Avatar

Written by

かとうまこ

After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a scriptwriting course for three and a half years with the aim of becoming a screenwriter. After that, I started working as a writer to utilize my writing skills. At MATCHA, I mainly write articles introducing places to go out, but so far I have been involved in creating articles related to beauty, rental cars, and MVNO.

more
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