Hatsumoude～Let’s make your first prayer！～

Happy New Year ! I hope you’ll stick with us this year as well, everyone.

Hatsumoude is an event to worship at shrines or temples, and we give thanks to God for daily benefits or pray for safety of New year and peace.

Now, let me show you the details of Japanese Hatsumoude and some popular Hatsumoude spots. Let‘s check it out !

Why do we go to Hatsumoude ?

Refer to this site: http://onejiro.com/events/1231/

It is said to be “ Toshigami “ that we welcome at home on New year’s day. After that, we go to shrines or temples and worship “ Ujigami “, the god in our region to protect us every day. Let’s make your first prayer and tell the daily gratitude.

When do we go to Hatsumoude ?

Refer to this site:http://www.huffingtonpost.jp/2015/12/30/shrine-visit-manners_n_8897626.html

We wonder when to go to Hatsumoude. There is no need to worry about that.
It’s OK any time if the new year begins. For example, if it’s February or March, the day when you worship at a shrine or temple for the first time in the year is Hatsumoude.

Which is better to visit, shrine or temple ?

Refer to this site: http://japan-year.info/archives/9521.html

Which do you think it better to visit shrine or temple ?
The answer is, “ Either will do “.　I think it’s best to visit where you want to worship.

Refer to this site: http://go-jinja.com/jisha-chigai-194

I guess you’ll think a lot about where to go. Let’s choose by your inspiration.

How to avoid congestion

Refer to this site: http://kirarian.com/sensouzi-992

It’s crowded and crowded at famous shrine or temple. From Dec.31 to Jan.1, it’s usual to stand in line for about 1～4 hours. Especially, it’s the most frequent hour at 1 to 2 o’clock.

To avoid congestion, it’s a good way to
・avoid entering from front gate if there are some gates
・shift time ( 4～9 o’clock , 17～18 o’clolck is not crowded )
・avoid the first three days of the new year

Enjoy Hatsumoude comfortably !

Popular Hatsumoude Spots all over Japan

Refer to this site: http://fukusuke.tokyo/archives/10068.html

Based on the turnout of the first three days of the new year, I will introduce the popular top 5 Hatsumoude spots all over Japan.

Meiji Jingu (Tokyo)

Refer to this site:https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE

Meiji Jingu is a representative shrine in Japan. It was built to enshrine the holy spirit of Emperor Meiji and the Empress Dowager Shoken. The number of Hatsumoude visitors is 3.17 million, the most in Japan.

【Meiji Jingu】
(address) 1-1, Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuyaku, Tokyo
(access) 9minutes from Odakyu Sangubashi station, 11minutes from JR Harajuku station
(URL) http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/

Naritasan Shinshouji (Chiba)

Refer to this site: http://kirarian.com/naritasan-hatumoude-966

Naritasan Shinshouji is the main temple of Shingonshu Chisan sect (Buddhism). The real master is Fudo Myouou (Acalathe God of Fire). There is a benefit of academic achievement, so it is also popular with the students preparing for an exam.

【Naritasan Shinshouji】
(address) Narita 1, Narita city, Chiba
(access) 10minutes walk from JR Narita station, Keisei Dentetsu Keisei Narita station
(URL) http://www.naritasan.or.jp/

Kawasakidaishi Heikenji (Kanagawa)

Refer to this site: http://h-mahoroba.net/?p=1738

Kawasakidaishi has been known as the exorcist Daishi, and worshiped by many people. The number of worshipers is said to be about 3.07 million.

【Kawasakidaishi Heikenji】
(address) 4-48, Daishimachi, Kawasakiku, Kawasaki city, Kanagawa
(access) 8minutes walk from Keikyu Kawasakidaishi station
(URL) http://www.kawasakidaishi.com/

Sensouji (Tokyo)

Refer to this site: http://bokenasu.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2013/01/post-6a19.html

Sensouji temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and one of the representative sightseeing spots. The number of worshipers is said to be about 2.91 million. If you go from the night on Dec.31, you can hear the bells on New Year’s Eve.

【Sensouji】
(address) 3-1, Asakusa 2chome, Taitoku, Tokyo
(access) 5minutes walk from each Asakusa station
(URL) http://www.senso-ji.jp/

Tsuruoka Hachimangu (Kanagawa)

Refer to this site: http://anglef.jugem.jp/?eid=3038

Tsuruoka Hachimangu is the symbol of the ancient capital, Kamakura that gathered reverence as the guardian God of Genji. Yabusame with a history over 800 years is famous in the world. There is an apotropaic and good health benefit.

【Tsuruoka Hachimangu】
(address) 2-1-31, Yukinoshita, Kamakura city, Kanagawa
(access) 10minutes walk from JR Kamakura station east exit, Enoden Kamakura station
(URL) https://www.hachimangu.or.jp/

Summary

Hatsumoude at the beginning of New year is so cold. You need to take measures for cold weather such as wearing leggings, Heat Tech, and bringing disposable hand warmer. I wish you a wonderful year !

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