Hatsumode: Receiving the New Year in Japan
Celebrate Hatsumode in Japan: Rituals, Temples, and Essential Tips
For many in Japan, the New Year isn’t complete without hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year. As midnight strikes on January 1st, millions make their way to these sacred sites, braving the winter cold for a fresh start. Interestingly, the custom we know today is rooted in the older practice of “toshigomori,” where people would stay overnight at temples or shrines on New Year’s Eve to ensure good fortune for the year ahead.
This subtle evolution has given birth to what is now a vibrant annual tradition that attracts visitors from all walks of life. So, what’s involved in a typical hatsumode, what do the different traditions mean, and why do so many make it a priority each year? Here’s everything you need to know about Japan’s first spiritual stop of the year.
What is Hatsumode in Japan?
Hatsumode (初詣) marks the year’s first visit to a shrine or temple in Japan, typically occurring within the first few days of January. It’s a chance to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year. Many people use this opportunity to express gratitude for the past year while setting positive intentions for the future. Some visitors may even make resolutions, buy protective charms (omamori), and draw fortune slips (omikuji) to see what the year might hold.
Though some individuals head out immediately after midnight, others prefer a quieter visit in the following days, allowing for a personal moment of reflection without the massive crowds. Whether a simple act of reverence or a more elaborate affair involving family and friends, Hatsumode is a cherished ritual that symbolizes fresh beginnings in Japan’s cultural landscape.
What time is Hatsumode?
Hatsumode generally begins as soon as the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, and many temples and shrines across Japan stay open to welcome visitors well into the early hours. While the busiest time tends to be during New Year’s Eve and the first morning of the new year, hatsumode isn’t restricted to these hours.
For those looking to avoid the crowds, visiting in the days following January 1st, often up until January 3rd, is a common practice. Temples and shrines generally accommodate visitors throughout the entire first week of January, giving everyone a chance to participate in the tradition at their own pace.
Who celebrates Hatsumode?
Hatsumode is widely celebrated across Japan, observed by people from various cultural backgrounds and religions. While rooted in Shinto and Buddhist practices, hatsumode has become more than just a religious act—it’s a national custom embraced by everyone regardless of personal beliefs.
People of all ages join in the tradition, from elders looking to express gratitude for another year to young adults and children eager to seek blessings for health, success, and happiness. The inclusive nature of hatsumode has made it a staple of Japanese New Year’s celebrations, transcending religious lines to become a beloved popular tradition.
