How do you visit a shrine for New Year (hatsumode)?
In short
Good to knowHatsumode is the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple. You pray as usual: at shrines two bows, two claps and one bow; at temples, palms together quietly.
When does this apply?
Many people go during the first three days of January. Famous shrines and temples get very crowded, sometimes with long queues. Some people buy omamori charms and return last year’s.
Why?
It is a classic New Year custom of praying for health and happiness in the year ahead. You can go to either a shrine or a temple, and many people take part regardless of religion.
What to do
- Queue and pray in turn
- At shrines, bow lightly in front of the torii
- Plan ahead: avoid peak times and use public transport
Better to avoid
- Cut into the queue
- Stop suddenly in the crowd to take photos
Exceptions and differences
There is no fixed date: some people go later in January or within matsu-no-uchi (until around 7 or 15 January, depending on the region). Follow a shrine’s own style of worship where it has one.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
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Sources
- Countdowns, "Hatsuuri" and "Hatsumode"! A guide to the New Year in Japan(opens in a new tab)
- Shrine and Temple Traditions(opens in a new tab)
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