Last Updated on 2025年8月22日 by Kenty
Hatsumode 2025: Complete Guide
Japanese New Year Shrine Visits & Sacred Traditions
初詣 – The Sacred Beginning of Japan’s New Year
The Sacred Beginning of Japan’s New Year
As the new year begins in Japan, millions of people visit shrines and temples to take part in 初詣 (Hatsumode), a beloved tradition filled with hope, reflection, and celebration. It’s not just the prayers that make this time special—it’s the memories of warm food, cold mornings, and family moments that stay with us forever.
Sacred Tradition
Visit shrines and temples for the first time in the New Year to pray for health, happiness, and success
Family Bonding
A time for families to come together, share hopes, and create lasting memories
Festival Atmosphere
Enjoy traditional food stalls, festive decorations, and the warm community spirit
What is Hatsumode?
Hatsumode is the traditional Japanese practice of visiting a shrine or temple at the beginning of the New Year. It usually takes place between January 1st and 3rd, and it’s a time when people pray for things like good health, happiness, and success in the coming year.
Historical Background
- Originated during the Heian period (794-1185)
- Originally called “Toshigomori” (year-end vigil)
- Modern Hatsumode began in the Meiji era
- Over 80 million people participate annually
What People Pray For
- Health and longevity for family
- Success in work and business
- Academic achievement
- Love and marriage
Popular Hatsumode Destinations 2025
Tokyo’s Most Visited Shrines
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)
Tokyo’s most popular Hatsumode destination, attracting over 3 million visitors during the New Year period. Located in a peaceful forest in the heart of Shibuya.
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple (浅草寺)
Tokyo’s oldest temple with over 1,400 years of history. Famous for its Thunder Gate and traditional atmosphere in historic Asakusa district.
Kyoto’s Sacred Sites
Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)
Famous for thousands of vermillion torii gates creating tunnels up the mountainside. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity.
My Childhood Memories of Hatsumode
“When I was a child, my parents would take me to a local shrine every New Year’s Day. I remember standing in long lines with them, wrapped in warm coats, waiting patiently to make our offering and say our prayers.”
Despite the cold, I loved those moments. There was something magical about the early morning light, the sound of the shrine bell ringing, and the soft scent of incense in the air. The anticipation built as we slowly moved forward in line, surrounded by hundreds of other families with the same hope and excitement for the new year ahead.
Sacred Sounds
The deep, resonant sound of the shrine bell echoing in the crisp winter air, accompanied by the gentle prayers of visitors creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Family Togetherness
Standing together in the cold, sharing hopes and dreams for the coming year, creating bonds that would last a lifetime.
The Joy of Festival Food Stalls
One of the best parts of Hatsumode is the yatai—festival food stalls—that line the path to shrines. These stalls offer all kinds of delicious snacks that warm both body and soul during the cold January weather.
Takoyaki
Octopus balls with savory sauce and bonito flakes
Taiyaki
Fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste
Yakitori
Grilled chicken skewers with tare glaze
Special Memory: Tama-Konnyaku (玉蒟蒻)
Tama-konnyaku (konjac balls) holds a special place in my heart. It’s made from konnyaku, a jelly-like food from the konjac plant root, shaped into small round balls and simmered in savory soy sauce-based broth.
The texture is chewy and unique, and the flavor is warm and comforting—perfect for a cold winter day. I remember holding the skewer in my gloved hands, enjoying the steam rising from the food stall.
What Makes Tama-Konnyaku Special
- Made from natural konjac plant
- Served hot on skewers
- Often comes with spicy mustard
- Perfect winter comfort food
Proper Hatsumode Etiquette
Purification Ritual
- 1 Use the ladle to pour water over your left hand
- 2 Switch hands and pour water over your right hand
- 3 Rinse your mouth (don’t drink directly from ladle)
- 4 Clean the ladle handle for the next person
Prayer Sequence
- 1 Make a monetary offering (usually ¥5 or ¥50)
- 2 Ring the bell to call the kami (spirits)
- 3 Bow twice deeply
- 4 Clap twice, make your prayer, bow once more
Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
- • Arrive early morning or late evening to avoid crowds
- • Dress warmly but avoid flashy or revealing clothing
- • Bring small change for offerings and food stalls
- • Be patient and respectful in long lines
- • Take photos only in designated areas
More Than Just a Tradition
Hatsumode is more than a religious or cultural event. It’s a time to reflect, to spend time with family, and to make small but meaningful memories—like eating a favorite festival snack or sharing a quiet moment of hope for the year ahead.
“Even now, those memories come back to me every New Year. The cold morning air, the warmth of family beside me, the taste of tama-konnyaku, and the feeling of hope that comes with a fresh start.”
Connection
Bond with family and community
Renewal
Fresh start and new hopes
Memories
Creating lasting experiences
Experience Hatsumode Yourself
If you ever visit Japan during the New Year season, I highly recommend experiencing Hatsumode for yourself. Join the line at a local shrine, listen to the sounds of tradition, and try a skewer of tama-konnyaku. You might just create a warm memory of your own.
