In Japan, welcoming the New Year has long included hatsumōde (hatsumode)—the year’s first visit to a shrine or temple—to refresh mind and body. The moment you step into a sacred precinct, crisp winter air and the scent of forest seem to enter your whole being, inviting you to meet yourself again beyond the noise of everyday life. Align your breath with time‑honored rites, offer thanks, and you may feel a calm as if held by nature itself.
In this guide, you’ll explore hatsumōde through a wellness lens—from its origins and etiquette to refined regional model plans and ways to weave its insights into daily life. As you sense the spiritual culture living within tradition, you’ll find practical hints for setting your mind and body in order at the threshold of a new year, while understanding core hatsumode traditions with respect and care.
The custom of hatsumōde—visiting a shrine or temple at the very start of the year—is firmly rooted in modern life, yet its history is surprisingly recent: it spread during and after the Meiji era (late 19th to early 20th century) as a relatively new cultural practice (＊1).
Its origin traces to toshigomori, a vigil in which people secluded themselves from New Year’s Eve through New Year’s Day to pray at the shrine of their local tutelary deity (ujigami) (＊2). Over time, this divided into a New Year’s Eve visit and a New Year’s morning visit; the latter evolved into today’s hatsumōde.
As a new year arrives, the inner act of the Japanese heart—giving thanks for the past year’s safety and praying for fresh protection—has been handed down through hatsumode traditions.
The sequence at year’s end and the New Year carries three intentions: purification, gratitude, and vow. On New Year’s Eve, the ōharae (“Great Purification”) clears away amassed offenses and impurities so you can welcome the New Year’s kami with a cleansed body and mind (＊3).
At dawn on New Year’s Day, it has long been customary to greet the first sunrise and welcome Toshigami (the deity of the New Year), praying for peace and a bountiful harvest in the year ahead (＊4). Households decorate entrances with kadomatsu, shimenawa, and kagami‑mochi to receive Toshigami (＊5). In this purified “place,” you then make your hatsumōde, expressing renewed gratitude for divine protection and making your vows before the kami.
Shintō, often summarized as the way of “eight million kami,” is marked by an animistic worldview in which the divine resides in all phenomena. Shrines are frequently wrapped in deep groves (chinju no mori), regarded as sacred in their own right (＊6).
Since antiquity, such forests have served as a liminal boundary separating precincts from the everyday world. In the clarity of spring water at a temizu basin or in the wind moving through the sanctuary, you may sense the presence of the kami.
This veneration of nature is written into the scenery of hatsumode traditions: trees rising along the approach, the first light of the year breaking at dawn, winter air tingling your skin—each moment carries, for many in Japan, a felt experience of sacred ki (vital energy).
Hatsumōde is more than a visit; it mediates the relationship between humans and nature (= the realm of the kami). Even shrines in the heart of a metropolis can offer a palpable, cleansing stillness—precisely because of this.
From the year’s last night through the first three days, you’ll find wisdom devoted to preparing an unseen “space.” The Great Purification on New Year’s Eve is performed to cleanse body and mind and ready the place that receives the New Year’s deity.
The first sunrise is traditionally understood as the very moment Toshigami appears, making it a significant time to pray for good fortune and rich harvests (＊4). New Year’s decorations such as kadomatsu and shimenawa have been believed to serve as yorishiro—vessels in which the New Year’s deity alights (＊5).
Kadomatsu mark your doorway to invite Toshigami; pine and bamboo together symbolize fresh, vigorous life (＊5). In concert with hatsumōde, these decorations welcome Toshigami and help attune the year’s opening “energy.” By shaping a sacred space for the New Year, you give yourself a grounded start.
Most people make their hatsumōde at a shrine, though many also visit temples. Because the object of veneration differs, basic etiquette varies as well.
Shrines are dedicated to Shintō deities. You pass through a torii, approach the worship hall, ring the bell, and pray with the ritual of “two bows, two claps, one bow” (nihai‑nihakushū‑ippai) (＊7). The clap (kashiwade) expresses respect and gratitude to the kami.
Temples, by contrast, are Buddhist. You enter through the mountain gate, stand before the main hall, place your hands together, bow, and quietly voice your wish. Different gestures, shared sincerity.
If you plan to visit both shrine and temple, simply follow each tradition’s manners and offer your respect accordingly. When in doubt, check the official guidance of the site you visit.
At a shrine, worship is not only a traditional act; it’s a mindfulness practice that settles both mind and body. From the bow before a torii to the cleansing at the temizu basin and the prayer at the worship hall, each small gesture invites your awareness fully into the “now.”
When you let words of prayer resonate in your heart, reverence and stillness can open onto a deep sense of fulfillment beyond the everyday—one of the quiet gifts at the core of hatsumode traditions.
Here are the basics. At the torii, make a light bow before entering the precincts. Walk along the side of the approach, as the center (shōchū) is regarded as the path of the kami (＊1). At the temizu pavilion, use the ladle to cleanse your left hand, right hand, and mouth in order, rinsing away impurity. At the worship hall, place your offering quietly, ring the bell, compose your posture, and pray with two bows, two claps, and one final bow (＊2).
Move through each action with care and intention, and you’ll naturally feel both the tension and reverence of standing before the kami—and a clarity of mind that follows.
Whether at New Year or on any visit, mindful etiquette steadies the heart. Before you begin, settle your breathing and quiet your mind (＊3).
A long, gentle exhale activates the parasympathetic nervous system, easing tension into relaxation (＊4). Stand tall with awareness lowered to the tanden (lower abdomen)—a stance akin to a standing yoga pose that stabilizes your physical and mental axis. Feel the ground through the soles of your feet and the sensation of standing on sacred earth.
Keep your gaze softly lowered, listen into the surrounding quiet, and let distractions drift away as your attention rests “right here.” Call to mind your gratitude to the kami, and only then articulate your wish; your prayer will feel calm yet clear and centered.
In this way, breath and posture transform etiquette into a distinctively Japanese experience of mindfulness.
Omamori (amulets) and ofuda (household talismans) symbolize intentions and support you day to day; a goshuin (seal) records your visit as a tangible bond; and a formal kitō (prayer rite) creates time in a sacred space to steady yourself as you pray. By approaching these practices with respect, you cultivate an experience that takes root within you.
During hatsumōde, many people receive an omamori or ofuda. Options include traffic safety, longevity, academic success, matchmaking, and more—choose what best aligns with your wishes. You don’t need to carry many; what matters is to trust the blessing embodied in each and keep it carefully.
Customs vary by region and by shrine, but it’s common to return old amulets or talismans after about a year with thanks (＊1). Ideally, return them to the shrine where you received them. You can place them in the receptacle for old talismans during hatsumōde or have them ritually burned at events such as dondoyaki. If returning in person is difficult, some shrines accept returns by post (check the specific shrine’s guidance).
A goshuin is a red seal or calligraphy issued by a shrine or temple as proof of worship; its popularity has grown in recent years. As a point of manners, complete your worship first, then request the goshuin at the shrine office window (＊2).
Bring your own goshuin‑chō (dedicated notebook) and hand it to the attendant. Many shrines now provide prepared paper slips; in that case, paste them into your book later. A goshuin is not a “stamp rally.” The spirit is to receive each one with gratitude for the connection you’ve been granted (＊3).
During busy times, please queue patiently. When you offer the fee (hatsuho‑ryō), a simple “Please” and “Thank you very much” makes your respect felt.
If you’d like a more formal New Year’s prayer, you can receive a kitō at many shrines.
During the hatsumōde period, many shrines accept walk‑ins; write your wish and name on the application at the office, offer the prescribed fee, and wait to be led by a priest (＊4).
Amounts vary by shrine and content, but as a general guideline, personal yakubarai (purification) is around ¥5,000; ceremonies such as miyamairi and Shichi‑Go‑San are typically ¥5,000–¥10,000 (＊5).
Follow the instructions. When you receive the tamagushi (sakaki branch), dedicate it as if entrusting your heart, then make two bows, two claps, and one bow. Refrain from conversation; listen to the resonance of the norito (ritual prayers) and the drums. Some shrines include a kagura dance, which can be a special highlight.
Dress neatly—nothing overly casual—and arrive about 10 minutes early to wait quietly. When the rite concludes, make a final bow to the kami, hold the New Year’s blessing in gratitude, and depart at your own pace.
Hatsumōde is a special way to mark the year’s beginning, and the timing you choose shapes your experience. The first three days of January (sanganichi) offer a festive atmosphere, but crowds are inevitable. Because this trip celebrates a meaningful threshold, plan timing and routes so you can enjoy both stillness and celebration.
If possible, make your visit during the first three days of January (January 1–3) or at least within matsu no uchi, the period when New Year’s decorations are displayed. In the Kantō region this is through January 7, and in Kansai through January 15, though it varies by area (＊1).
Most people go from New Year’s Day through the third, which means shrines are very crowded. To avoid the crush, consider visiting from January 4 onward during the latter half of matsu no uchi. There’s no absolute deadline, so choosing a quieter day can be wise.
Some say “Hatsumōde is fine up to Setsubun,” so feel free to plan with a little margin.
To soften the crowds, think not only about the date but also the time. New Year’s Day from morning through afternoon is typically the busiest, while early morning or late evening is calmer (＊2).
For example, visiting from midnight through dawn on the 1st, or arriving early on any of the first three days, often allows for smoother worship. Pre‑dawn visits carry a distinct, gentle mystery.
Dress warmly and watch your footing. If you plan to visit multiple shrines, route design matters: tackle the most popular first—where lines are longest—and leave less crowded places for later.
Check opening hours and goshuin/amulet office hours in advance. Especially for early morning or late‑night visits, you might receive goshuin after sunrise—build in a little buffer.
During the season, roads near major shrines often see traffic restrictions; public transport is your friend. In some areas, trains and buses run through the night from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day, so check schedules ahead.
If you drive, be aware of road closures and parking shutdowns. At Ise Jingū, for instance, visitors are guided to park outside the core area and use “Park & Bus Ride” shuttles; large shrines share such crowd‑easing measures on official sites (＊3).
If you’re traveling from afar to a well‑known shrine, look for special bus tours organized by travel companies or local governments. For safe and comfortable worship, check shrine hatsumōde pages and municipal tourism sites for up‑to‑date restrictions and extra services.
Hatsumōde becomes more than worship when you savor each region’s nature, history, and food culture; your journey itself turns extraordinary. In Tokyo, you’ll enjoy the contrast of city forest and sleek streets; Kyoto lets you carry home the spirit and elegance of a millennial capital.
In Ise you cleanse your heart at a sacred site known as “once in a lifetime,” and in Izumo you deepen prayers for harmonious relationships in the land of myth. Combine revered shrines with nearby experiences to create an elegant journey for two that marks your turning point and lets you feel the richness of Japanese culture with all your senses.
Begin at Meiji Jingū at daybreak, where silence and forest feel impossible for a big city. Walk the approach embraced by a 700,000‑m² sacred grove and feel clarity return (＊1). After worship, enjoy a wholesome breakfast at a stylish café in Omotesandō. In the afternoon, visit Hie Shrine perched near the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Daijingū, famed for matchmaking.
Close the day with a hotel spa aromatherapy treatment—deep, restorative time for your body. It’s a Tokyo‑only plan that lets you taste the contrast between forest and skyline.
Worship early at World Heritage–listed Shimogamo Shrine, letting the primal air of Tadasu no Mori cleanse you (＊2). Then join a morning zazen session at a Zen temple and meet yourself in the quiet. At midday, move to Yasaka Shrine—guardian against epidemic misfortune—and feel the elegance of Gion as you offer your prayers.
In the afternoon, stroll Heian Jingū with its iconic vermilion torii and spacious gardens, enjoying seasonal scenery. Finish by choosing a favorite fragrance at a venerable incense shop to bring a refined calm into your New Year at home.
Make the pilgrimage many consider essential at least once. First visit Toyouke Daijingū (Gekū) to thank the deity who presides over food for the year’s blessings. Then, along the clear Isuzu River, proceed to Kōtai Jingū (Naikū) (＊3). Cross Uji Bridge, cleanse at the Mitaraishi, and offer deep bows at the main sanctuary of Amaterasu Ōmikami.
After worship, breathe out in Okage Yokocho with Ise udon or Akafuku mochi. Don’t forget to receive the Jingū Taima (grand ofuda) and enshrine it with care at home.
In Izumo, cradle of myths, visit Izumo Taisha, renowned for fostering harmonious ties. In the clear winter air, walk the pine‑lined approach and feel invigorating ki. Before the great shimenawa, pray for good relationships and happiness.
Afterward, savor Izumo soba in the gate‑town. If time allows, take in nearby mythic sites like Inasa‑no‑Hama. To close your journey, warm yourself at Tamatsukuri Onsen, “the bath of the gods,” and let skin and spirit be replenished (＊4).
After settling your heart through hatsumōde, tune your body and senses through restorative activities—hot springs or sauna, and the gentle rituals of fragrance and tea. Warm water and sauna promote circulation; scent and tea work on the senses to awaken you softly and relax you deeply.
In a quiet space, reading, meditation, or journaling wraps you in a rare stillness and helps mind and body come into harmony. Bringing these habits into your life supports the fresh clarity you feel at New Year.
Once your heart feels cleansed, restore your body with a hot spring or sauna. Soaking in warm water promotes circulation and, much like the shrine’s misogi (purification), supports a gentle reset of body and mind. When using a sauna, remember to hydrate and aim for several short rounds (＊1).
For example, heat for about 5–8 minutes, then cool down thoroughly in a cold bath or open air. Repeat for 2–3 sets to boost blood flow and relax your whole body. After bathing, loosen with light stretches and rehydrate—cool water or amazake will refresh you even more.
A sensory approach is essential to wellness. After hatsumōde, try lighting your favorite incense at home. The scent of woods such as hinoki has been reported to enhance parasympathetic activity and promote relaxation (＊2).
A cup of Japanese tea after bathing is also a delight. Gyokuro and sencha are rich in theanine, which relaxes the mind while bringing gentle alertness (＊3). If it isn’t late at night, you can enjoy a calm synergy with caffeine.
Brew slowly in your favorite teaware and let aroma and taste settle you, shaping a quiet moment to savor the New Year’s afterglow.
For many of us today, “quiet” is the greatest luxury. After the heightened moments of hatsumode traditions, invite stillness on purpose. Switch off your phone and TV; in a softly lit lounge or a corner of your home, enjoy gentle music and a book—or remove sound altogether.
Let yourself rest into comforting textures—cushions, a blanket—and simply be. As if releasing a year’s worth of effort, you’ll feel a quiet rising from within. Writing your thanks and resolutions in a favorite notebook is also powerful.
Putting thoughts into words in a calm setting organizes the mind and stirs forward energy. This unhurried time brings harmony to the start of your year and sustains you long after you return to everyday life.
The clear state of heart you gain at hatsumōde isn’t only for the year’s first days; it holds hints that can color each day more richly. A morning deep breath and a brief bow of gratitude, for example, become small rituals that bring quiet into busy routines.
A “zen corner” at home becomes a base for resetting, letting the hush you felt at a shrine live in your space.
Writing out your New Year’s vows and revisiting them at each milestone ties the resolutions you made before the kami to daily action. By bringing hatsumode traditions into habits, spaces, and vows, you cultivate a steady axis that carries through the year and weave a life that feels full.
Carry the clarity of hatsumōde into a daily habit. Try a three‑minute routine each morning. First, open a window and breathe fresh air deeply, then offer a light bow—like the gesture you make when passing under a torii—expressing thanks to heaven and earth at the day’s beginning.
Next, take three slow, deep breaths. Stand tall; inhale through the nose, exhale slowly through the mouth. Your autonomic nervous system balances, and your mind sharpens. Once calm, quietly voice your gratitude or intention for the day in your heart. Finish with a sip of warm tea to awaken the body from within.
Even a few minutes, done steadily, builds an unwavering axis that supports you all year.
Create a small “zen space” at home. Anchor it with natural tones—white, beige—and add plants and Japanese touches to make a calming corner.
Place a favorite aroma diffuser or soft lamp; lay out a cushion or yoga mat, and you have a home retreat ready anytime. Keep your phone out of reach and a book or notebook within arm’s length.
At night, lower the lights and light a candle to set a mood apart from the day. With a dedicated space, you can recall the quiet and gratitude you felt at hatsumōde and reset yourself even in a busy week.
Let the vows you made before the kami live where you can see them. Write New Year’s resolutions on a card or in a notebook, place them somewhere visible, and revisit them regularly.
Research reports that writing down and declaring goals increases the likelihood of achieving them (＊1). At the start of each month—or on seasonal occasions like Setsubun or during Obon—read your vows, check progress, and adjust.
At year’s end, report your efforts at your household altar or local shrine, let go of old goals with gratitude, and—at the next hatsumōde—set your vows anew. Turning this cycle builds steady, forward movement in your life.
Cleansing your heart and offering prayers at hatsumōde at the year’s opening brings countless insights and blessings. It isn’t merely an annual event; it’s a reservoir of ideas for enriching your everyday life.
By bringing the shrine’s quiet and your sense of gratitude into a short morning routine or a soothing corner at home, you can carry a calm, steady center into even the busiest days.
Onsen, tea, and fragrance—wellness activities that harmonize beautifully with sacred worship—help keep mind and body in balance. Take the lessons you encountered through Japan’s spiritual culture at hatsumōde, practice them through the year, and you’ll stand before the kami at your next hatsumōde with an even clearer heart.