Top 8 Shrines in Japan to Welcome the New Year!

New Year's Eve, or "Omisoka" in Japanese, is celebrated in different ways worldwide. Of course, Japan is no exception, with traditional and modern ways to ring in the new year. This includes special decorations and greetings cards to year-end soba noodles and shopping deals.

If you're interested in home-based ways to celebrate New Year's in Japan, please check out the following article below.

Hatsumode: The First Shrine or Temple Visit of the New Year

The Japanese tradition of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the new year is called hatsumode.

The first visit of the year may take place immediately on New Year's Day to hear the joya no kane (New Year's Eve Bell). Alternatively, some delay their hatsumode for a few days or even a week. Either way, this tradition involves praying for good fortune in the year ahead, achieving success in various fields, and purchasing special omamori or talismans.

The Year of the Dog was celebrated in 2018.

Depending on the Chinese zodiac animal of the year, you can find amulets, small figurines, or even carved statues of that respective animal at specific temples or shrines. To learn more about how to pray at a shrine or temple, please read the following article.

Top 8 Hatsumode Spots Across Japan

These are the busiest and most lively temples and shrines to visit on New Year's Eve in Japan. Although the sights alone at these sacred sites are amazing, there are also shops, yatai food vendors, and special customs to enjoy.

1. Harajuku, Tokyo: Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo is the busiest shrine in the entire country on New Year's Eve. Nearly 3.5 million people visit here annually from December 31 to January 3.

Meiji Shrine is particularly popular among young people and couples hoping to get married in the coming year. They may possibly choose Meiji Shrine as their wedding venue. If you want to visit during this time, be prepared to wait in long lines for pretty much everything! To learn more about Meiji Shrine, please check out the following article below.

2. Kawasaki, Kanagawa: Kawasaki Daishi Temple

Over three million people come to Kawasaki Daishi Temple in the first three days of the year. Many temple-goers pray for protection against bad luck and to ward off evil in the coming year.

During the New Year's celebrations, many shops along this shopping street and within the temple's precincts sell lucky charms. You'll also encounter plenty of hot beverages and festival food to enjoy on the grounds. For more about Kawasaki Daishi Temple, check out the article below.

3. Narita, Chiba: Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Three million people travel to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple for hatsumode each year. This 1,000-year-old temple is also home to many Important Cultural Properties of Japan, with easy access from Narita Station.

To learn more about this ancient temple and its precincts, check out the following article below.

4. Fushimi, Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine

About three million people also visit Kyoto's famed Fushimi Inari Shrine during the New Year's celebrations. This is the head Inari shrine in all of Japan. In addition to being a beloved spiritual, sightseeing, and photography spot, no trip to Kyoto would be complete without a visit here.

Take a virtual tour around Fushimi Inari Shrine via this article.

5. Sumiyoshi, Osaka: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Around two million visitors spend their hatsumode at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka each year. Founded in 211, Sumiyoshi Taisha is the head of all the Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. This shrine is not only popular on New Year's but also in the spring for its cherry blossoms and fall for its autumn leaves.

For more about Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and other activities to enjoy in Osaka, please read the following article.

6. Nagoya, Aichi: Atsuta Shrine

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Atsuta Shrine ranks among Japan's top popular sacred spots. Approximately two million visitors flock here on New Year's. Housed here is the Kusanagi no Mitsurugi, or "Grass-Cutting Sword," which is part of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan. This article has more information on Atsuta Shrine alongside other attractions in Nagoya.

7. Omiya, Saitama: Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine

Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine dates back over 2,000 years. It is a popular sightseeing spot year-round thanks to its impressive architecture and many cherry trees. About one and a half to two million visitors come here annually to ring in the new year. There is also an Inari Shrine within the precincts that many come to photograph during winter and spring.

If you'd like to learn more about shrines and fun activities in Saitama, please take a look at this article.

8. Dazaifu, Fukuoka: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is visited by nearly two million worshipers for hatsumode every year—many of which are students. That's because Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is where the deity of learning is enshrined. Many shrine-goers believe that their prayers for success in academics made here will be granted. In addition to New Year's, it is especially crowded with students during the exam season.

Check out this article to learn more about this historical shrine!

Bonus! Less Crowded Spots in the Tokyo Area!

If you'd like to visit a shrine but prefer to avoid crowds, we suggest visiting someplace a little less congested this New Year's.

Photo from "Exploring Oji, The Town Of The Sacred Foxes."

Fans of Inari shrines should head to Oji on the north side of Tokyo to take part in the annual fox parade on New Year's. Those wanting a hands-on experience should head to Nishiarai Daishi with Emblem Hostel, where you can take part in a hatsumode event explained in English.

If you're eager to create an original itinerary during the New Year's holidays, please check out the following article.

Don't Forget to Dress Warm!

Are you planning to hear the New Year's bells for yourself? Please keep in mind that the temperature at night will drop quite a bit depending on where you're visiting, with Japan's northern winters being frigid and snowy.

To learn more about the weather in Japan in the winter, read the following article. If you'd like to find out about some other winter events that take place across Japan, check out this article.