As the new year approaches, many people in Japan get ready to celebrate in a special way. One of the most exciting traditions is called hatsumode. This is the first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year. It’s a time to say thank you for the past year and to wish for good luck in the year ahead. Let’s explore the top 10 shrines where people love to visit during hatsumode, along with some fascinating Japanese cultural traditions!
What is Hatsumode?
Hatsumode is a fun and important event in Japan. It means visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the new year. People go to pray for happiness, health, and good fortune. This tradition started a long time ago, during the Heian period. Back then, people would stay overnight at shrines to welcome the new year. Today, many people travel to famous shrines to join in the celebration!Cultural Traditions During Hatsumode
During hatsumode, you might see people wearing kimono, a traditional Japanese garment. Many families dress up in beautiful kimonos to visit shrines, especially on New Year’s Day. It’s a way to honor their culture and celebrate the new year in style.Another common practice is to buy omikuji, which are fortune slips. After praying, visitors can draw a slip of paper that tells them their fortune for the year. The fortunes can be good or bad, and if someone receives a bad fortune, they can tie it to a tree at the shrine to leave the bad luck behind!
Top 10 New Year Shrine Visits in Japan
Japan has over 158,000 shrines and temples! Here are the top 10 most popular places to visit for hatsumode in 2024:10. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Visitors: About 2.04 millionLocated in Fukuoka, this shrine is famous for helping students succeed in their studies. It is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Many students come here to pray for good grades!
9. Omiya Hikawa Shrine
Visitors: About 2.05 millionThis ancient shrine in Saitama is over 2,000 years old! It is known for bringing good luck in love and protecting people from bad things. The beautiful tree-lined path to the shrine is a lovely sight!
8. Atsuta Shrine
Visitors: About 2.35 millionIn Nagoya, this shrine is home to the Kusanagi sword, one of Japan’s three sacred treasures. People visit to pray for safety and good luck in competitions.
7. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Visitors: About 2.51 millionThis shrine in Kamakura is dedicated to the Hachiman deities. It is a popular place for those seeking success in their careers and safe childbirth.
6. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Visitors: About 2.6 millionLocated in Osaka, this shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and connection to the sea. People come here to pray for safe travels and financial luck.
5. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Visitors: About 2.77 million Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to the Inari deity. It is a place where many pray for business success and prosperity.4. Sensoji Temple
Visitors: About 2.93 millionThis temple in Tokyo is the oldest in the city. It is known for granting wishes and is a must-visit during the new year. Many people come here to pray for their dreams to come true!
3. Kawasaki Daishi (Heikenji Temple)
Visitors: About 3.08 millionThis temple in Kanagawa is famous for its blessings of health and protection from evil. It is also known as the birthplace of hatsumode!
2. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Visitors: About 3.11 millionLocated in Chiba, this temple is known for its beautiful gardens and powerful blessings. People visit to pray for good health and success in business.
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