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Hatsumode is a deeply significant New Year’s tradition in Japan with a rich history and culture. It is an important occasion when people visit shrines and temples between January 1st and 3rd to pray for happiness and good health. This practice is not merely a ritual to welcome the New Year, but also a time to express gratitude for the past year.

Hatsumode involves worship rituals performed with deep respect and gratitude, so it’s important to follow proper etiquette when visiting shrines. This article will provide detailed explanations of the origins of Hatsumode, worship methods, and popular shrines and temples worth visiting throughout Japan.

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Hatsumode is one of Japan’s traditional New Year’s events. It involves making the first shrine or temple visit of the new year to pray for happiness, health, and success throughout the year. This custom is rooted in Shinto and Buddhism, and serves as a time to offer thanks for the past year while showing respect to the deities, ancestors, and the natural world. Through Hatsumode, it is considered important to welcome the start of the new year with a refreshed mind and body, renewing one’s positive spirit.

Hatsumode is typically conducted between January 1st and 3rd, and goes beyond personal wishes to strengthen bonds with family and community.

The origins of Hatsumode date back to the Edo period. Originally, it began with a custom called Toshigomori. This practice involved the head of a household staying overnight at a local shrine from New Year’s Eve through New Year’s morning to pray for abundant harvests and safety in the coming year. Later, this custom split into “Joya-moude” on New Year’s Eve and “Ganjitsu-moude” on New Year’s Day, gradually evolving into what we now call “Hatsumode.”

Furthermore, during the Edo period, a custom called “Eho-mairi” also emerged. Based on Chinese astrology, this involved visiting shrines or temples located in the auspicious direction for that year. In recent years, this has evolved into a more flexible practice where people can visit any shrine or temple without being concerned about lucky directions.

Through this history, Hatsumode has become an important New Year’s event for many Japanese people today, cherished as preparation for welcoming the new year.

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When performing Hatsumode, there are rituals to show respect to shrines and temples and purify mind and body before welcoming the new year. By carefully performing each ritual, you can express deeper respect and gratitude. Here, we’ll explain the worship methods in detail.

The first step in Hatsumode is the purification ritual at the Chozuya (purification fountain). This is a practice to cleanse mind and body before entering the shrine. First, upon arriving at the Chozuya, use the hishaku (ladle) to scoop water and wash your left hand, then your right hand. Next, pour water into your left hand and use it to rinse your mouth. Finally, wash your left hand once more, hold the hishaku upright to let water flow down the handle, and quietly return it to its original position.

Once you’ve completed this series of actions, you’re ready to continue with your worship.

Next, offer the Omamori (amulets) and Ofuda (talismans) you received last year to the shrine. These items are typically burned in a ritual at the shrine. When returning them, purify your hands beforehand. Ideally, you should return them to the shrine where you received them, but if that’s difficult, you can offer them at a different shrine.

There is often a designated area called “Kosatsu Nousho” (old talisman deposit) where you can place your Ofuda.Handle Ofuda and Omamori with care and return them with gratitude.

Upon arriving at the main hall, the worship ceremony begins. While worship etiquette may vary by shrine, the general practice follows the “Ni-hai Ni-hakushu Ippai” method.

First, bow lightly in front of the Saisen-bako (offertory box) and place your Saisen (monetary offering) in the box. Then, ring the bell, straighten your posture, and bow twice. Next, bring both hands together at chest height and clap twice, offering your prayers with sincerity. Finally, bow deeply once more to complete your worship. At temples, do not clap; instead, perform Gassho (pressing palms together) and pray quietly.

Japan has many renowned shrines and temples worth visiting for Hatsumode. These sacred sites are deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture and serve as important places to welcome the New Year, bustling with worshippers every year. Here, we introduce five particularly popular shrines and temples.

Affectionately known as “O-Ise-san,” Ise Jingu is one of Japan’s most prominent shrines, centered around two main sanctuaries—Kotai Jingu (Naiku, Inner Sanctuary) and Toyouke Daijingu (Geku, Outer Sanctuary)—and comprising 125 shrine buildings. Naiku enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, while Geku enshrines Toyouke no Omikami.

Due to its sacred nature, Ise Jingu holds the prestigious title of “Jingu,” and many worshippers visit to pray for health and happiness in the new year. Worshiping at Ise Jingu is an important ritual for purifying one’s heart and welcoming the new year in this sacred place.

Meiji Jingu is a vast shrine located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, established in 1920 (Taisho 9). The enshrined deities are Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and it is characterized by beautiful forest grounds covering approximately 700,000 square meters. During Hatsumode, many people visit annually to honor Emperor Meiji’s virtues and pray for a safe new year.

Throughout the year, various festivals and events are held on the expansive grounds to welcome worshippers. The New Year’s Hatsumode in particular is filled with prayers for peace and prosperity.

Senso-ji is a famous temple that also serves as a major Tokyo tourist attraction, drawing many Hatsumode worshippers. Founded in 628 during the Asuka period, it has been affectionately known as “Asakusa no Kannon-sama” since the Edo period and continues to attract many devotees today.

On New Year’s Day, the Joya no Kane (New Year’s Eve bell) rings out, and worshippers offer their New Year’s prayers. The main hall of Senso-ji enshrines Kannon Bosatsu (Avalokitesvara), and guided by its spiritual power, visitors welcome the beginning of a new year.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous shrine in Kyoto visited by many worshippers praying for business prosperity and household safety. It is particularly known for its “Senbon Torii” (thousands of torii gates), whose beautiful scenery is world-renowned. Its founding is ancient, dating back to 711 during the Nara period, and the Inari deity is worshipped as a god of bountiful harvests and business prosperity.

During the annual Hatsumode, many worshippers visit, making it an indispensable shrine especially for those praying for business success.

Dazaifu Tenmangu is a shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, famous as the deity of learning. This shrine is beloved by many students and their families as a place to pray for academic achievement and exam success. It is also known as the burial site of Michizane and is historically significant.

During New Year’s Hatsumode, worshippers come to honor Michizane’s spirit and pray for academic advancement. Many people visit Dazaifu Tenmangu especially to make a fresh start in their studies or life.

Hatsumode is a valuable event where you can experience the deep roots of Japanese culture and faith. As you welcome the beginning of the new year, worship at shrines and temples is not merely about making wishes, but a ritual for expressing gratitude for the past year and making a fresh start.

By visiting representative Japanese shrines and temples, you can also connect with the history and culture rooted in those places, making your Hatsumode experience even more meaningful. Whichever shrine you visit, it becomes an important moment to offer sincere prayers and welcome the new year with a refreshed spirit.

*This article is based on information available as of December 2025.