Hatsumode How To Celebrate The Japanese New Days

Celebrating Hatsumode: A Guide to Japan's New Year Tradition

Hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year, is a significant tradition in Japan, marking the beginning of the New Year with prayers for good fortune and a fresh start. This festive period, typically from January 1 to 3, is filled with rituals, customs, and vibrant celebrations.

When to Visit

Hatsumode can be celebrated from midnight on New Year's Eve to January 3, a period known as sanganichi. While many people visit shrines and temples on the first day of the year, it is also common to visit on the second or third days to avoid the large crowds that gather at popular sites.

Preparation and Etiquette

Before visiting a shrine or temple, it is essential to understand the etiquette involved. Here are the steps to follow:

• Purify Your Hands and Mouth: At the holy fountain (chozuya), use the ladle to wash your hands and rinse your mouth. This involves washing your left hand with the ladle in your right hand, then switching to wash your right hand, and finally rinsing your mouth without drinking the water.
• Dress Appropriately: Many people wear traditional clothing, such as kimonos, to show respect and celebrate the occasion.
• Follow Shrine or Temple Rules: At shrines, follow the two bows, two claps, one bow rule, and at temples, you may light an incense stick if available.

Activities During Hatsumode

Several activities are integral to the Hatsumode experience:

• Praying and Making Wishes: Offer prayers and make wishes for the new year. This can be done by throwing money into the offering box and performing the appropriate bows and claps.
• Buying Omamori: Purchase new omamori (amulets) for the year and return old ones to the shrine for cremation. These amulets are believed to bring good luck and protection.
• Drawing Omikuji: Obtain omikuji, written oracles that predict your fortune for the year. If the fortune is bad, it can be tied to a tree on the shrine grounds to ward off bad luck.
• Writing on Ema: Write your wishes on ema (wooden plaques) and hang them at the shrine. These plaques often feature the zodiac animal of the year or other designs.

Popular Shrines and Temples

Some of the most popular shrines and temples for Hatsumode include:

• Sensoji Temple: Known for its long queues, especially on New Year's Day, stretching through the Nakamise shopping street.
• Meiji Jingu Shrine: One of the most visited shrines, attracting millions of visitors during the first few days of the year.
• Yasukuni Shrine: Another major site, especially crowded during New Year's celebrations.
• Dewasanzan Shrine: Located in Yamagata Prefecture, this shrine offers a unique experience with its historic fire festival and challenging climb up 2,446 stone steps.

Special Events and Food

During Hatsumode, many shrines and temples host special events and offer traditional foods:

• Special Drinks: Enjoy amazake (sweet sake) and other festive drinks available at shrines and temples.
• Food Stalls: Find a variety of food stalls offering traditional New Year's foods, such as osechi and zōni.
• Street Performances: Experience street performances and lively festivities around the shrines and temples.

Tips for Visitors

To make the most of your Hatsumode experience:

• Avoid Major Shrines on New Year's Day: If you prefer smaller crowds, consider visiting on the second or third day of the year.
• Stay Warm: Be prepared for long queues and cold weather, especially if visiting early in the morning.
• Visit Shrines with Personal Significance: Choose a shrine or temple that holds personal significance to you, enhancing the spiritual experience.

By following these guidelines and understanding the customs and activities involved, you can fully immerse yourself in the vibrant and meaningful tradition of Hatsumode.