“Hatsumōde”—the very first visit of the year to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple—is a hallmark of Japanese culture. Also written as hatsumode (without macron), it is the moment you greet Toshigami-sama, the deity who blesses the year, and pray for safety and peace ahead (＊1). In Tokyo’s famous shrines, the first three days of the New Year (January 1–3) draw huge crowds; with a few smart choices, however, you can also savor a quieter atmosphere (＊3).
This guide shows you how to enjoy hatsumode as a well‑being experience—covering its history and meaning, etiquette for respectful worship, serene shrine spots in Tokyo, and English‑friendly private tour options. With reverence for tradition and an eye to your lifestyle, weave hatsumode into your year and give yourself a richer start.
Hatsumode refers to your first shrine or temple visit after the New Year begins—a custom of offering prayers to the deities and Buddhas for peace and safety in the year ahead. Its origins likely lie in toshigomori, the old practice of spending New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day in devotion to one’s local tutelary deity, which gradually evolved into today’s hatsumode.
At this first visit, you express gratitude for the previous year, renew your intentions for the new one, and pray for happiness and health. From New Year’s Day through January 3, many people go for hatsumode, and lines stretching for hours at popular shrines are not uncommon.
If you’d prefer to avoid the peak crowds and take your time, adjust your timing and day—you’ll have a calmer experience that lets you focus on the moment.
A shrine is a sacred space set apart from everyday noise. When you follow traditional etiquette—being considerate and respectful—you create room for a deeper, more focused time of prayer. Below, you’ll find the basics to observe within the grounds and the proper order of worship.
Once you pass under the torii, you’ve entered a holy domain. Keep your voice down and walk with a calm mind. Eating, drinking, and smoking within the grounds are to be avoided (＊1). Even when you visit with a group, skip shouting or running so the solemn mood can be shared by everyone.
Be mindful with photography as well. Take care not to capture priests or other worshippers without permission, and note that some areas—such as the inner sanctuary—may prohibit photos. Follow posted signs. Flash and tripods are often unwelcome, so it’s safest not to use them.
By honoring these courtesies, you preserve the shrine’s atmosphere—and you’ll feel clearer and more centered as you pray.
The torii marks the boundary between the sacred and the everyday; beyond it lies the deity’s realm. Pause in front of the gate and offer a small bow before passing through (＊2). This is a gesture of “With respect, may I enter.”
On the sandō, avoid walking in the center. It’s considered the path of the deities, so you keep to the sides (＊2). If you’re with others, don’t spread out; walk in a line or two along the edge so you don’t block the flow of visitors.
Skip long chats while standing still, and choose a spot for photos that doesn’t inconvenience others. These little acts of care help keep the precincts pristine.
Most shrines have a temizuya (also called chōzuya), a water pavilion for purification, on the way to the worship hall. Purify your hands and mouth here before approaching the main shrine. The steps are as follows (many shrines now use running water without ladles, but the core gestures are the same).
First, take the ladle (hishaku) in your right hand and scoop plenty of water. Pour it over your left hand to cleanse it. Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right. Switch back to your right, pour a small amount into your left palm, and use that to gently rinse your mouth—do not let the ladle touch your lips (＊3). Spit the water discreetly into the drain near your feet; do not swallow. Finally, cleanse your left hand again.
Rinse the handle of the ladle to wash away any remaining water and place it back face‑down.
Offer a small bow before you leave. It also helps to have a handkerchief or small towel ready before purification so you can dry your hands and mouth afterward. Temizu is a simplified form of misogi, a ritual of cleansing body and mind; it prepares you to approach the deity with a composed heart.
After temizu, head to the worship hall (haiden). Stand before the offertory box, give a small bow, and place your monetary offering quietly. Think of it not as “throwing” coins but as making a dignified offering with gratitude.
If a bell is provided, ring it softly to call for the deity’s attention. Now for the formal sequence: straighten your posture and perform “two bows, two claps, one bow.” Make two deep bows.
Bring your hands together before your chest, lower the right fingertips slightly, and clap twice. In your heart, express thanks and your wishes. Keep the words positive and succinct—rather than “I hope I can…,” try “I commit to…” or “I give thanks for….”
Return your fingertips to level and finish with one final deep bow to complete the worship (＊3). Taking your time with each step helps you face yourself before the kami, conveying your gratitude and resolve for the year.
Collecting goshuin—calligraphed seals proving your visit—is a beloved part of hatsumode (＊4). A priest or attendant will write, often with brush and ink, the date of your visit, the shrine’s name, and sometimes the enshrined deity’s name, accompanied by vermilion stamps.
Purchase a dedicated goshuinchō (seal book) at the shrine office and request your goshuin after you’ve finished worship. During the New Year period, lines for goshuin can be long.
Remember, a goshuin is a “record of worship,” not a benefit in itself. The proper flow is to pay your respects at the main hall first, then ask for the seal. Some shrines also offer limited‑edition New Year designs—if that interests you, check in advance.
Lastly, amulets (omamori) and other items you receive at hatsumode are traditionally returned to the shrine after about a year. Many shrines set up a collection area during the following New Year, where old charms and hamaya (ceremonial arrows) are accepted for ritual burning and thanksgiving.
Returning what protected you—in gratitude—and receiving a new item creates a cycle that carries the culture of renewal forward through hatsumode.
Joining the crowds has its energy, but many of you crave unhurried prayer in a calm setting. In and around Tokyo you’ll find shrines with abundant greenery and dignified stillness—some in the very heart of the city, others a short trip into forests and mountain air.
Chosen for “serenity,” “natural environment,” “ease of access,” “barrier‑free features,” and “English guidance (depending on availability),” here are Tokyo hatsumode spots we recommend. You’ll also find crowd levels, best visiting times, and nearby wellness stops—organic cafés, gardens, and more. Pick the place that suits you and welcome the New Year with a balanced mind and body.
If you want to feel the deep ki (vital energy) of the woods while still in the metropolis, head for shrines set within forests or mountain landscapes near Tokyo. In the clear air of early morning, the scent of trees along the approach becomes a kind of walking meditation that releases the everyday noise in your head.
Dress warmly—winter chill creeps up from the ground. Forested areas run colder than central Tokyo, so consider thick socks and pocket warmers. Below are two emblematic “shrines in the woods.”
Meiji Jingu draws the largest number of hatsumode visitors in Japan, yet its expansive grounds are enveloped by an apparently natural “eternal forest.” When the shrine was established roughly a century ago, more than 100,000 trees were donated and planted from across the country to create a forest designed to become natural over 100 years; today it shelters wild birds and small animals in thriving greenery (＊1).
Step from Harajuku Station onto the South Approach and under the first torii, and the city falls away. On the gravel path, let your attention rest on your breath as you walk—you’ll feel yourself realign.
About ten minutes in, a towering wooden torii appears. Nearby is the entrance to the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden (Meiji Jingu Gyoen), famous for Kiyomasa’s Well. If time allows, a quiet stroll here is lovely (separate admission applies; in the crisp winter air, gazing at the spring‑fed pond is a treat).
The latter stretch of the approach slopes gently upward. If you prefer a flatter route, enter from the North Approach near Yoyogi Station. When you reach the broad plaza before the worship hall, take a moment to look up—the bowl of sky and surrounding forest create a cleansing sense of space right in the middle of Tokyo.
After praying, pause on a bench and breathe in the forest air. Near the Omotesando side, the Harajuku Entrance Information Center has a small rest spot serving organic tea and coffee—perfect for warming up while gazing into the trees. Meiji Jingu is truly an urban oasis, and welcoming the year in its quiet woods will feel exceptional.
Perched atop the Tama area’s mountains, Musashi Mitake Shrine is wrapped in pristine nature and invigorating air—the very definition of a cleansing retreat for hatsumode. Located near the 929‑meter summit of Mount Mitake, it’s also known as one of the Kanto region’s renowned “power spots.”
Ride the Mitake Tozan Railway cable car from the foot of the mountain—about six minutes—and you’ll be whisked up the slope (no grueling climbing needed). From there, a gentle 30‑minute hike along the approach brings you to the shrine. Edo‑period temple lodgings (shukubō) and centuries‑old trees line the path, and simply walking there feels purifying.
In winter, expect possible snow or ice—bring warm layers, grippy shoes, and gloves. Early morning to late morning offers the clearest air; if you’re lucky, you may see a sea of clouds below or even distant Mount Fuji.
Dedicated to a mountain faith that venerates wolves as divine messengers, Musashi Mitake also has legends of Prince Yamato Takeru praying here for victory. From the worship hall, the Kanto plain spreads beneath you—an unforgettable view.
Time spent here, saturated with the mountain’s strong ki, is a rare reset for your spirit. After worship, treat yourself to flavors unique to the mountaintop. Some shukubō serve shōjin‑ryōri and herbal teas that honor the mountain’s bounty and local fermentation culture.
It’s a small excursion—about two hours by train and bus from central Tokyo—but well worth it. Hatsumode embraced by Mitake’s great outdoors is an ideal way to dispel stagnant energy and start fresh.
If you’re short on time or want a visit near the office when work resumes, choose a central shrine with distinguished architecture. Tokyo’s business districts host historic shrines long associated with fortune in work and commerce.
Many now feature barrier‑free routes, making access and movement easier for elders and wheelchair users. Here are two standouts. They’re convenient before work or at lunchtime, and the surrounding neighborhoods offer museums, tearooms, and other cultural spots—perfect for a smart, city‑centered New Year’s day out.
Hie Jinja, set on a hill in Nagatachō, has been beloved since Edo times by everyone from the Tokugawa shogunate to common townsfolk. Though it’s central, the grounds are leafy, and the vermilion shrine buildings and tower gate strike a poised silhouette against the sky. With strong ties to leaders in politics and business, it’s popular for prayers for career advancement and success.
One of Hie’s strengths is access and barrier‑free design. From nearby Tokyo Metro stations you’ll reach the base quickly, and instead of climbing steep stone steps to the main hall you can ride long escalators or use a gentle slope (＊2).
A modern escalator building stands on the south side of the grounds, with wheelchair ramps and multi‑purpose restrooms in place. It’s a thoughtful environment for elders and anyone with mobility needs.
Come early and you can pray in surprising quiet for such a central spot. Balancing tradition with convenience, Hie Jinja is an ideal hatsumode choice for busy urbanites.
With nearly 1,300 years of history, Kanda Myojin watched over old Tokyo as the “General Guardian of Edo” and remains a magnet for prayers for prosperity and protection.
Its three enshrined deities—Daikokuten, Ebisu, and Taira no Masakado no Mikoto—are associated with good fortune, commerce, and happy connections. You’ll meet everyone here, from company owners and shopkeepers to young anime fans visiting from nearby Akihabara.
During the New Year period, the atmosphere is lively—especially thanks to Akihabara’s proximity—but come early or after January 5 and you’ll find a more relaxed pace.
Don’t miss the architecture: the brilliantly colored shrine buildings and gates are exquisite. The vermilion Zuishinmon is a showstopper, with intricate carvings and vivid painted details—look up at the ceiling and beams to find fine craftsmanship still radiating Edo aesthetics (＊3).
Past the gate, you’ll see crowds of ema (wooden prayer tablets). Some feature beloved anime characters—one of the shrine’s uniquely local touches.
After worship, drop by the EDOCCO (Edokko) Cultural Complex on site. This newer facility houses a café, shops, and exhibits, with English explanations about Kanda Myojin’s history and the festivals of Edo.
Warm up with amazake or traditional sweets in the café as a New Year treat. Another highlight is the omamori called “Kachimamori,” a charm for victory—in contests and in business—much appreciated as a gift for colleagues.
You can also linger at a classic sweets shop just outside the gate for amazake or oshiruko. Where Edo heritage meets modern culture, Kanda Myojin offers a quintessentially Tokyo hatsumode that will stay with you.
In recent years, English‑language tours—often private or in small groups with sustainability in mind—have made it possible for international visitors and residents to experience hatsumode with a professional guide.
Many Japanese guests also appreciate these tours: with expert explanations, your visit becomes a special learning experience that deepens your understanding of Shinto culture. Below are points to look for in English‑enabled hatsumode tours and ideas for privacy‑forward, sustainability‑minded plans.
On private hatsumode tours, a qualified guide (such as a licensed interpreter‑guide) accompanies you and teaches shrine etiquette and Shinto basics with care. For example, you might start with a short talk: the meaning of the torii, how to perform temizu, and the “two bows, two claps, one bow”—all explained in English.
You then visit the shrine together to put what you learned into practice. With a guide, you won’t have to guess about gestures, and you can ask questions on the spot.
Some tours include a brief pre‑worship misogi session using breathing—deep breaths and gentle stretches that settle your body and mind before you approach the hall, letting you focus your prayer more clearly.
Afterwards, guides may show you how to request goshuin or choose omamori. In this way, a private tour lifts hatsumode beyond sightseeing into an hour of learning and self‑care.
If you’d like to extend the well‑being effects of hatsumode—keeping that refreshed, intentional feeling going—consider layering on one or two options below. Think of them as a bridge between your New Year’s vows and everyday vitality.
Tea experience: Pair your visit with Japanese tea tasting or a brief intro to the tea ceremony. If a shrine has a tearoom on site or nearby, you can sometimes reserve a simple usucha (thin tea). Watching the graceful movements in a quiet tatami room and savoring a single bowl of matcha is a gentle way to settle the excitement of the season.
Incense or aroma workshop: The refined fragrance of incense harmonizes beautifully with shrine air. Introductory kōdō (incense appreciation) or workshops using Japanese essential oils are increasingly popular. After hatsumode, your senses—cleared by prayer—are primed to enjoy scent. Hinoki (Japanese cypress) or sakaki‑inspired notes, both tied to shrine rites, help you carry a sense of sacred calm back home.
Spa & sauna (urban onsen): Tokyo abounds with high‑quality spas and baths. After an early‑morning visit, treat yourself—book a massage at a hotel spa or soak in a natural hot‑spring‑style bath to warm your body through. Facilities such as the spa at Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho help you unwind and realign. A good sweat in the sauna can feel like a symbolic New Year’s cleanse.
By adding wellness elements to your hatsumode, you reinforce your intentions and give yourself restorative time. Choose the options that fit you best and meet 2025 in your ideal condition.
Don’t leave that fresh, focused feeling of hatsumode behind. Bring the inspiration from your trip into daily life and steadily raise your well‑being throughout the year.
Here are small rituals—five minutes is enough—and seasonal resets you can easily adopt. Try them as a year‑long habit.
Even on busy days, you can carve out a calm moment akin to shrine worship. The key is a brief, intentional pause. At your front door before leaving, upon arriving at work, at a neighborhood shrine, or even at your desk, try this five‑minute sequence:
A bow: Stop and offer a light bow (no need to go deep). It signals, “I’m settling my mind now.”
Two breaths: Stand tall and take two slow, deep breaths. Inhale gently through the nose, exhale long through the mouth. Imagine the mental fog clearing.
A line of thanks: In your heart, say a short, positive sentence of gratitude or intention. Examples: “I give thanks for ___,” “I’m ready for a good day.”
Close with a deep breath: One more slow, deliberate breath. Lengthen your spine, exhale fully, and let a small smile form—it nudges your mood forward.
A final bow: Conclude with another light bow. As when leaving a shrine, hold the feeling of “Thanks to this, I’ll do my best again.”
You can compress this into a minute or two, but five unrushed minutes work even better. Think of it as a mini‑visit.
Do it at a home kamidana, at your entrance, or right at your office seat—the place matters less than creating a deliberate pause. As it becomes routine, breath and gesture sync up, and this quick sequence becomes a reliable switch that recenters you—an easy way to “bring the travel feeling home.”
Recreate the clear, dignified air you felt at the shrine by setting up a simple, natural corner at home. Reserve a quiet spot and keep it uncluttered—your personal sacred nook.
Try this: lay a piece of white cloth or washi on a shelf or desktop, place a single seasonal flower and a small vase of fresh water. The flower can be modest—something from your garden or a local field. Change the water each morning. Even this alone transforms the atmosphere.
If you like, add a candle or gentle incense (sandalwood or aloeswood). Fire and fragrance are traditionally purifying, echoing shrine offerings and ceremonial fires. Use indirect lighting if you can, and favor natural materials—wood, pottery—for a cohesive, calm look.
This mini‑cleansing space isn’t a showy altar. It’s a small, practical “zen corner” to reset your mind.
In the morning, take one deep breath there and bring your hands together before starting the day. At night, top up the water and give thanks for a day well spent.
Replace flowers before they fade and renew the water daily. Trust that these small gestures clear and lift the energy of your home. No complex rules—just attention to nature and a thankful heart. It’s like having a “little shrine” at home, a sanctuary that grows with you.
Once hatsumode refreshes your outlook, plan gentle resets throughout the year. In Shinto, major rites mark half‑year points and the turning of the seasons. Mirror that with your own “mini great purification” on a simple schedule. For example…
Setsubun (February): As winter turns to spring, imagine driving out the “ogres” of negativity. On the day, clear out unneeded items or spend a few minutes meditating to release worry or anger. Inspired by bean‑throwing, speak a positive line aloud—“May good things come with spring.”
Nagoshi no Harae (June): At the end of June, join a chinowa‑kuguri (grass ring) rite at a shrine if you can. If not, flip through your journal from the past six months and write down stressors or regrets, then tear up the paper—a simple self‑cleansing. This is also a good time for a mini “summer cleaning” and wardrobe switch. Air out your rooms and prepare for a fresh second half.
Niinamesai (November): In harvest season, take stock of your year’s work and growth. On November 23—Labor Thanksgiving Day, the date of Niinamesai—list what you persevered through and what you received: “I was able to work safely,” “I made a new friend,” and so on. Gratitude for abundance is said to invite more of it. Place your gratitude list at your kamidana or your cleansing corner and “report” your thanks.
Year’s end (December): Return for Ōharae at a shrine or listen to temple bells, then at home take a salt bath or sake bath to cleanse your body and prepare for hatsumode the next morning—a quiet, insider’s way to close the year.
By aligning simple self‑care with the annual cycle, you create regular resets and a more intentional lifestyle—the “continuation of travel” in daily time. You can also plan seasonal shrine visits: spring worship amid cherry blossoms, local shrine‑hopping on summer trips, a famed maple‑viewing shrine in autumn, and then hatsumode again at year’s end. Keeping a seasonal notebook makes the planning itself delightful.
Each visit reveals a different face. Summer’s night‑time chinowa rites feel dreamlike; in autumn’s Shichi‑Go‑San season, families’ smiles are heartwarming. These moments color your year in rich tones.
In the end, hatsumode isn’t a finish line; it’s your starting point. Bring the strength and calm you felt at the shrine into everyday life, then return at the next turning to “recharge.” Keep that uplifting cycle going and your well‑being will continue to rise.
Hatsumode is a reset suited to the start of the year, and the insight you gain can be applied every day. Japanese tradition and well‑being aren’t separate—they meet at a deep level.
When you carry the clarity you felt at the shrine into your routines, you learn to savor the seasons, reflect with kindness, and live with quiet gratitude. Let this guide help you turn hatsumode into new habits. If you already treasure meaningful experiences, you’ll find fresh ways to enrich the year ahead.