Visiting a shrine or temple at the start of the year—known as Hatsumōde (also spelled hatsumode)—invites you into the spirit of Japanese culture. It’s more than sightseeing; it’s a moment to reset, purify body and mind, and pray for good fortune in the year ahead.
In this guide, you’ll find the meaning and basic etiquette of Hatsumōde, tips for appreciating it through a wellness perspective, and refined, tranquil spots in Tokyo we especially recommend. Even if you’re new to Japanese culture, you’ll be able to follow along and craft a special New Year experience with confidence. If you’re searching for the best hatsumode spots Tokyo visitors love, you’ll find them below.
The first ritual of the New Year in Japan is Hatsumōde, the act of visiting a shrine or temple to offer gratitude for the year just begun and to pray for peace and prosperity in the months ahead. Steeped in over a millennium of tradition, this practice embodies renewal and reverence in Japanese culture. Within the serene precincts of the shrine, one takes a moment to purify the heart and mind, entering into a solemn dialogue with the divine. More than a simple visit, Hatsumōde marks a symbolic threshold—a considered beginning to life’s new chapter. In this section, we explore its meaning, timing, and core etiquette.
Hatsumōde (初詣) is your first shrine or temple visit of the New Year. You can go to either a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple. Many people go during the first three days of January (the “Sanganichi”), but visits made during “Matsu-no-uchi,” the period when New Year decorations are displayed (until around January 7 in the Kanto region and around January 15 in the Kansai region), are also generally recognized as Hatsumōde.
There’s no strict rule saying you must go during the first three days to receive blessings; your first visit of the year counts whenever it happens. It’s always good form to express gratitude for having welcomed the New Year—and if possible, to make your visit early in the year (*1).
Hatsumōde can be crowded, but there are quieter windows. On New Year’s Day, the 8:00–9:00 a.m. window tends to be calmer as many people stay at home; very early morning before the offering counters open is also less busy. Midday is typically the peak.
If you want a more spacious experience, go at daybreak or visit after January 4 to avoid the first three days (*2). Some shrines open from late on New Year’s Eve through the night; if you go then, dress warmly—the cold can be intense.
On arrival, bow lightly before passing under the torii gate. As you walk the approach (sandō), keep to the side rather than the center—traditionally, the central axis (seichū) is the path of the deities. At the chōzuya (purification basin), use the ladle to rinse your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order, gently purifying yourself.
At the main hall, place your offering softly into the box and, if there’s a bell, ring it quietly. Compose yourself before the altar and perform the standard etiquette: two deep bows, two claps, and one final deep bow (*4). This “two bows, two claps, one bow” is widely used nationwide; if the shrine specifies a different rite, follow their guidance.
When you pray, first offer thanks for being able to visit again this year. Then focus on one wish and articulate it silently—Shinto values sincerity over abundance of asks. When finished, bow lightly and step back; as you leave through the torii, turn and bow once more.
Capturing a few photos to remember your visit is usually fine, but some areas prohibit photography. Avoid tripods and anything that turns your visit into a photo session; be mindful not to include other worshippers, and note that the inner sanctuary and sacred objects are often off-limits (check on-site notices).
Set your phone to silent and refrain from loud calls. Especially at the main hall or during rituals, minimize smartphone use and keep the atmosphere peaceful. Many visitors collect a goshuin—the calligraphic seal stamp that serves as a record of worship.
Goshuin are inscribed in a special notebook at the shrine office. During the New Year period, some shrines pause goshuin service due to crowding, but most offer them for a modest hatsuho-ryō (seal fee). When receiving anything at the counter, a polite “Please” and “Thank you” to priests or miko (shrine attendants) goes a long way.
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking within the sacred precincts, and help maintain a calm atmosphere so everyone can worship comfortably.
To approach Hatsumōde with serenity, one must prepare not only the mind but also the attire with thoughtful care. Dressing appropriately for a sacred setting is more than mere etiquette—it is an outward expression of reverence and sincerity. Choosing garments in subdued tones, adding layers for warmth, and wearing shoes suited for shrine grounds ensures that the act of worship unfolds in comfort and grace. Likewise, preparing offerings such as coins or a formal hatsuho-ryō represents gratitude and intention made tangible. In this section, we explore how to prepare for Hatsumōde with elegance, from attire and belongings to the proper manner of offerings, as well as practical considerations for cold or rainy weather.
Because Hatsumōde is a sacred occasion, slightly dressier attire than usual is ideal. Visiting a shrine is sometimes likened to “calling on a respected elder,” so muted coats or jackets—dark or neutral tones for all genders—are recommended. If you plan a formal prayer service (kitō), a suit or kimono is the standard.
If you’re traveling and full formality is tricky, simply avoid shorts, flip-flops, and ultra-casual looks. Wear comfortable shoes; shrine grounds often have gravel and steps, so low heels or well-broken-in footwear are safer.
Mornings and evenings in winter are chilly. Make full use of coats, scarves, gloves, and warm accessories (keeping your neck, wrists, and ankles warm helps during long outdoor waits). At Meiji Jingū, which welcomes over 3.2 million visitors during the first three days, queues can be long, and the shrine explicitly advises thorough cold-weather preparation (*1).
There’s no fixed amount for your saisen (monetary offering). Many choose a 5-yen coin (go-en, a wordplay for “good ties”), but it’s not required.
Coins or bills are both acceptable—the heart behind the act matters more than the amount. Instead of tossing in whatever coins happen to be in your wallet, place your offering gently while expressing, “Please watch over me this year,” with quiet intention (*2).
For formal prayers (special kitō), you’ll make a separate offering called hatsuho-ryō, typically enclosed in a ceremonial envelope labeled “初穂料.” Amounts vary by shrine, but 5,000–10,000 yen is common for individual prayers; some services that include sacred dance (kagura) require higher amounts. Plan to pay in cash—bring enough Japanese yen.
Hatsumōde happens in midwinter. At dawn or late at night, temperatures drop markedly—dress warmly with thick outerwear, scarves, gloves, and hand warmers so you can wait outside without strain. At Meiji Jingū, where waits can last hours, the shrine strongly recommends warm clothing (*3).
If it rains, you may queue with umbrellas. Be very careful not to bump others; a raincoat that keeps both hands free is often safer. Choose shoes with good traction and walk more slowly than usual, especially on stone steps and wet gravel. In the early morning or at night, surfaces can freeze—prioritize safety and don’t push yourself.
In Tokyo, Hatsumōde is more than a New Year’s visit—it is a refined experience of tranquility and culture. Even amidst the bustle of the metropolis, stepping into a sacred grove or standing before a historic shrine immerses you in an atmosphere of purity and stillness, inviting deeper reflection and prayer. The gentle light filtering through Meiji Jingū’s vast forest at dawn, the enduring Edo spirit at Kanda Myōjin, the serene refuge of Hie Jinja among towering skyscrapers, and the heartfelt blessings of Tokyo Daijingu as a shrine of enmusubi (divine matchmaking)—each offers a distinct encounter to mark the beginning of the year. In this section, we introduce a curated selection of Tokyo’s most exquisite Hatsumōde destinations, where serenity and sophistication converge.
Meiji Jingū is the most-visited site for Hatsumōde in Tokyo—and among the busiest in Japan (*1). With over three million visitors during the first three days, daytime can be extremely crowded, but outside the Sanganichi, early mornings let you savor deep quiet within the expansive forest.
Just steps from Harajuku Station, the shrine is wrapped in a lush chinju no mori—an evergreen forest created with some 100,000 trees donated from across Japan—an urban oasis that soothes the spirit. As you stroll the approach, the crunch of gravel and the rustle of leaves gradually come forward, and you’ll feel yourself settle.
If you can, arrive right after sunrise. In the clear, cold air, shafts of light filter through the trees—an almost numinous moment when you feel the year’s fresh vitality on your skin. Plan roughly 60–90 minutes for worship and a gentle forest walk—think of it as mindful walking. If you intend to join a formal service (shōden sanpai), check reception hours in advance.
After worship, warm up with tea at the on-site “Mori no Terrace” café, then step into the Meiji Jingu Museum to appreciate items connected with Emperor Meiji. Beginning the year with forest calm and cultural depth makes for an exceptional start.
Recommended time: Visit at daybreak (around 6:00 a.m.) to immerse yourself in stillness. Breathe deeply in the forest as the morning sun illuminates the trees.
Duration: 60–90 minutes (round-trip along the approach, worship, and a museum visit). If you plan a formal service, confirm reception hours and hatsuho-ryō in advance.
Nearby: Enjoy a morning tea at Mori no Terrace, then linger at the Meiji Jingu Museum for a refined encounter with imperial-era artifacts.
Kanda Myōjin stands near Akihabara and has watched over Edo/Tokyo for nearly 1,300 years as the capital’s guardian. Revered for deities such as Daikokuten and Ebisu—patrons of prosperity and academic success—it draws worshippers across generations.
Within the grounds you’ll find EDOCCO (opened in 2018), a cultural exchange complex with an amulet counter, gift shop, café, and multipurpose halls (*2). Built around a “tradition and innovation” concept, it offers a relaxed break for visitors, plus a studio for hands-on Japanese cultural experiences.
After worship, enjoy a sweet at the EDOCCO café “Masu-Masu.” The grounds also host a small museum on the Kanda Matsuri—one of Japan’s three major festivals—where you can see ukiyo-e prints and historical materials. Visit early for a calmer atmosphere; climbing the stone steps to the vermilion buildings, you’ll find a solemn space that makes the city disappear and leaves you feeling refreshed.
Step away from Akihabara’s buzz and you’ll discover a Hatsumōde experience at Kanda Myōjin that resonates long after—rooted in tradition, infused with real warmth.
Recommended time: Early morning (around 8:00 a.m.) offers fewer visitors and crisp air. Weekday mornings are especially serene, with immaculately kept grounds.
Duration: 45–60 minutes (worship, museum, and a café pause). If you’re collecting a goshuin, factor in time for the amulet counter queue.
Nearby: Browse auspicious Edo-style gifts at EDOCCO SHOP. Classic neighborhood cafés are within walking distance—perfect for a thoughtful coffee after worship.
Hie Jinja in Nagatachō once protected Edo Castle (today’s Imperial Palace) through the Sannō faith tradition.
Though surrounded by towers in Akasaka, the grounds are green and unexpectedly tranquil. Pass through the distinctive Sannō torii, ascend by escalator or stone steps, and you’ll find an oasis in the heart of Tokyo.
Arrive early and the air turns crystal clear; the only sound may be the wind moving through leaves. Hie Jinja receives worshippers for shōden sanpai (formal worship inside the main hall) daily from 9:00 to 16:00 (about 20 minutes); if you wish, you can request a prayer service with tamagushi offering (*1).
New Year prayers for individuals don’t require reservations, and priests will recite norito on your behalf—ideal if you want a formal New Year visit in the city. Afterwards, warm up with matcha or amazake at “Sannō Saryō” within the grounds.
If you have time, stroll the parkland behind the shrine (Sannō Park) and absorb the greenery that belies its downtown location. From the Sannō Bridge area, the contrast of trees and skyline captures the hush of the city’s inner sanctums.
Recommended time: Weekend early mornings (7:00–8:00 a.m.). With few people around, you can offer your prayers in clear, quiet air.
Duration: 40–60 minutes (worship and a relaxed wander). There’s an escalator, but taking the stone steps at an easy pace can gently awaken body and mind.
Nearby: Pause at Sannō Saryō for amazake or matcha (opens late morning). For a longer walk, descend the Otoko-zaka steps and continue toward the Imperial Palace Outer Garden to soak up more greenery.
Nicknamed “Tokyo’s Ise,” Tokyo Daijingu is immensely popular as a shrine of matchmaking. Established in 1880 as a distant worship hall for Ise Jingū, it was the first to hold a public Shinto wedding ceremony (*2).
It enshrines Amaterasu Ōmikami and Toyouke Ōmikami, along with the creative Musubi deities—hence its reputation for strong matchmaking blessings and its status as a beloved “love-fulfillment” spot, especially among young women.
During Hatsumōde, people from all over Japan come to pray for good relationships; lines sometimes extend toward JR Iidabashi Station during the first three days. Even so, mornings are smoother. The grounds are small but serene—use the wait to settle into a calm, mindful state.
The shrine’s “Love Omikuji” is famed for accuracy, and many say good results preceded real-life blessings. The amulet counter brims with charming talismans and heart-shaped ema—it’s a delight just to browse.
After worship, stroll from Iidabashi toward Kagurazaka’s stone-paved lanes. A traditional café is the perfect stop for Japanese sweets; at a venerable tea house in Kagurazaka, savor matcha desserts and quietly affirm your wish for good ties in the year ahead.
Recommended time: Skip January 1; aim for January 2 or 3 before about 9:00 a.m. It’s a cold morning, but queues are shorter.
Duration: 45–60 minutes (worship plus omamori and omikuji). While waiting, breathe deeply, ground yourself, and take in the surroundings.
Nearby: After worship, walk a few minutes from Iidabashi Station’s west exit to Kinozen in Kagurazaka for its famous matcha bavarois. Wander Kagurazaka’s stone streets and, wrapped in their quiet charm, wish for your New Year’s hopes to take root.
Hatsumōde in Tokyo is more than a New Year’s visit—it is an intentional pause to find stillness and encounter culture at its most resonant. Even in the heart of the metropolis, stepping into a forested sanctuary or a shrine steeped in history reveals an atmosphere of purity and serenity, deepening the spirit of prayer. The first light of dawn filtering through the woods of Meiji Jingū, the lingering fragrance of Edo culture at Kanda Myōjin, the quietude of Hie Jinja hidden among skyscrapers, and the divine blessings of Tokyo Daijingu as a beloved shrine of enmusubi—each offers a distinct way to begin the year.
In formal worship, you enter the hall, receive norito (prayers) from the priests, and offer a tamagushi following the proper steps. Many shrines accept visitors without reservations throughout the day (for example, Hie Jinja from 9:00 to 16:00) and the rite takes about 20 minutes (*1).
Together you perform two bows, two claps, and one bow, and a representative offers the sakaki branch (tamagushi) at the altar (*2). In the resonant hush of drums and bells, dedicating your first prayers of the year becomes a singular experience.
For a special kitō, focus your request on a single, specific intention. In Shinto, sincerity and clarity matter more than volume—pray for one thing at a time (*3).
Instead of “Let it be a good year,” choose a pillar—work, family, health—and write it succinctly as “Safety in ___” or “Success in ___.” At the altar, hold the decision vividly in mind as you pray.
Some shrines present kagura—sacred music and dance performed by miko—during the New Year period. If you have the chance, watch quietly.
During kagura, refrain from talking, clapping, or photographing. Sit upright and let your attention rest on the flowing movements and the tones of gagaku. Stepping away from everyday noise, you may sense the meaning embedded in each measured gesture.
As the bells shimmer, your awareness sharpens. When the dance ends, keep the lingering quiet and offer thanks in your heart. In many ways, kagura is a mindful, multisensory experience—an ideal purification for the year’s beginning.
If you’ll visit with English speakers, check in advance whether the shrine offers English guidance. Large shrines may have English materials or staff, but it isn’t guaranteed.
For reserved prayers, confirm names in roman letters, the number of participants, and how to pay the kitō fee. Remind guests to dress modestly. Even if words are limited, reverence and gratitude are what truly matter.
Shinto has long been woven into everyday life in Japan. Without a single founder or revealed scripture, it reveres countless deities—yaoyorozu no kami (“eight million,” meaning innumerable). This expresses the view that divinity dwells throughout the natural world and human community (*1).
Mountains, seas, rivers, wind, trees—even ancestors—each have presiding deities, and shrines are where they’re enshrined. Naturally, people in Japan have cultivated daily awe and gratitude toward nature.
Shinto also distinguishes between hare (special, festive time) and ke (ordinary, everyday time). New Year’s and festivals are hare; by contrasting them with ke—wearing fine clothes, sharing celebratory foods—you refresh body and mind.
These hare moments help you re-center yourself, restoring energy to return to everyday life.
Yaoyorozu no Kami (八百万の神): A collective term for a vast diversity of deities (*1). It reflects an animistic understanding that spirits dwell in all things—an eloquent shorthand for Shinto’s polytheistic character.
Musubi (産霊): The mysterious vital force that generates and fosters life. Deities such as Takami-Musubi and Kami-Musubi embody this principle. Musubi is central to Shinto thought—the power that creates and binds, from human connections (en-musubi) to a bountiful harvest.
Sandō and the Center Line: The approach from torii to altar has a central axis reserved for the deities. Walk along the side out of respect.
Tamagushi (玉串): A sakaki branch adorned with paper streamers (shide), offered to the deities during formal worship. Presenting a tamagushi conveys your sincere heart.
Norito (祝詞): The formal words of prayer recited by priests. Composed in elevated classical language, they can feel cleansing just to hear.
Purification—harae and kiyome—is essential in Shinto. In daily life, we accumulate kegare (literally “energy withered”), disruptions to ordinary ke caused by illness, misfortune, or death (*1).
Rites of purification restore you to a clear state: receiving prayers from priests, washing at the chōzuya, or passing through the chinowa (a great straw ring).
At the Great Purifications in June and December (Ōharai), people walk through a large ring to cleanse the past six months’ sins and impurities. Through such rites, you return to a hare state and receive the power to start anew. In that sense, Hatsumōde itself is a reset—entering a sacred space to refresh body and mind.
Rinsing hands and mouth at the chōzuya also symbolizes washing away defilements. Attend carefully to each act; you’ll feel your mind clear and your readiness for the year ahead deepen. Purification can be understood as Shinto’s form of mindfulness: focus on the gestures, sense what falls away, and notice how calm returns.
Shrines are often embraced by a chinju no mori—a guardian forest that creates a distinctive hush and solemnity (*2).
With the deity dwelling there, everyday noise stays outside, and the space takes on the presence unique to a sacred precinct. Beyond atmosphere, these groves support local ecosystems: forest soil holds rainfall that reemerges as springs, sustaining the area.
Human beings settle naturally in greenery—an effect known as biophilia. Walking a shrine forest, you’ll notice the scent of earth, dappled light, and the susurrus of leaves; let your senses lead.
At Meiji Jingū, pause if you hear a birdcall; at Akasaka Hikawa Jinja, when you catch the fragrance of wood, breathe deeply. You may feel yourself part of the grove. Imagining people in the Edo period sensing the same air can spark a surprising kinship across time.
In short, the shrine’s grove offers quiet and healing while connecting people, nature, and the divine. Begin the year with a deep breath beneath those trees; clear ki will fill you from within, and energy for the year ahead will rise.
Hatsumōde isn’t just a calendar custom—it’s your chance to thank the year just passed and set intentions for the one to come, face to face with the divine. Every gesture at the shrine carries meaning, and together they help calm and clarify you.
Walk the grove at dawn and you’ll find time for quiet self-reflection. Offer a tamagushi in formal worship and feel your posture—and your resolve—rise. As you step back through the torii into the world, you may sense last year’s fatigue and residue left behind, and a renewed self coming forward.
This year, choose tranquil, quality spots for Hatsumōde—especially the best hatsumode spots Tokyo has to offer—and turn the visit into a gift for your body and mind. That time will bring you both energy and ease for the year ahead. May the New Year be healthy and bountiful for you.