If you are in Japan during new year holidays, you can experience “Hatsumōde(初詣)”, the first visit to shrine or temple.
This article will present the top 10 Shrines and Temples to Visit at New Year's in Japan. Visit these 10 renowned shrines and temples to experience hatsumōde, and ring in the Japanese new year with prayers for love, prosperity, health and more!
This article is split into two parts, so be sure to check out part 2 as well!
Contents
What is Hatsumōde(初詣)?
"Edo-meisho Horinouchi Myohojiso Hatsumode", Utagawa Hiroshige, 1852
Hatsumōde (初詣) is the first visit to Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple in the Japanese New Year. Many visit on the first, second, or third day of the year as most are off work on those days. Generally, wishes for the new year are made, new Omamori (御守：charms or amulets) are bought, and the old ones are returned to the shrine so they can be burned. There are often long lines at major shrines and temples throughout Japan.
You can find more informations about Shrines and Temples: The Ultimate Guide on this article.
10) Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (成田山新勝寺）/ Chiba Prefecture
Naritasen Shinshoji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in central Narita, Chiba, Japan. It was founded in 940 by Kanchō Daisōjō, a disciple of Kōbō Daishi(弘法大師). It is a lead temple in the Chisan branch of New Shingon, includes a large complex of buildings and grounds, and is one of the best-known temples in the Kantō region.
You can find more informations about Narita City on this article.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple(成田山新勝寺) Address: Narita 1, Chiba Prefecture 286-0023 |
9) Tsuruoka Hachimangu (鶴岡八幡宮）/ Kanagawa Prefecture
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu was established by Minamoto Yoriyoshi(源頼義),in 1063. First, it built in Iwashimizu(石清水) of Kyoto, then moved in Kamakura. The Hachiman Kami was regarded as the protect Kami of the warrior class. The Shrine is still located at the center of Kamakura,attracting the respect and the faith of many. And there are some Shinji(religious services) or events, it is depend on "Bushido(武士道)" the spirit of SAMURAI.
You can find more informations about Kamakura City on this article.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu(鶴岡八幡宮) Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588Access: 15 minute by foot from Kamakura Station Opening hours: 6:00AM-8:30PM Entrance fee: Free Website: http://www.tsurugaoka-hachimangu.jp |
8) Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple (川崎大師 平間寺) / Kanagawa Prefecture
Kawasaki Daishi (川崎大師) is the popular name of Heiken-ji (平間寺), a Buddhist temple in Kawasaki, Japan. Founded in 1128, it is the headquarters of the Chizan sect of Shingon Buddhism. Kawasaki Daishi is a popular temple for hatsumōde. In 2016, 3 million people engaged in hatsumōde here, the third largest figure in Japan.
Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple (川崎大師 平間寺) Address: 4-48 Daisahi-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-8521Access: 10 minute by foot from Kawasaki Daishi Station Opening hours: 24hours Entrance fee: Free Website: http://www.kawasakidaishi.com/english/index.html |
7) Kiyiomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) / Kyoto Prefecture
Kiyomizu-dera(清水寺) is a syncretic complex comprising a Buddhist temple and a shinto sanctuary, located in the Higashiyama district, east of Kyoto. It is popular in spring and autumn and is one of the city's most popular tours, including the view of the main building built on a mountain slope and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. This majestic temple complex, including the magnificent main pavilion, as well as the walk all around offer a very pleasant and relaxing panorama.
You can find more informations about Kyoto City on this article.
Kiyiomizu-dera Temple(清水寺) Address: 1-294, Kiyomizu, Higashyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862 |
6) Kifune Jinja Shrine (貴船神社) / Kyoto Prefecture
Kibune is a Japanese village located in a wooded valley of Kansai, in the mountains of northern Kyoto, consist of a single main street that runs along a river. Tourists come here every season to feel the serenity of the Kifune sanctuary, enjoy a traditional meal by the water and go to the hot spring baths. Historic cradles of the city, the pavilions of the Kibune-jinja stand proudly vis-a-vis the visitors managed to climb the many stone steps. The temple is dedicated to the divinity of water and rain that protects the crops.
Kifune Jinja Shrine Address: 180 Kurama-Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 601-1112 |
Why don't you experience Hatsumode in Japan During New Year's 2018?
We hope all of you have a wonderful and Happy New Year! Be sure to read part 2!
Koki Miyashita
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