Top 10 Shrines and Temples to Visit at New Year's (Part 2)

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 1 as well!

Contents

5) Yushima Tenman-gū Shrine (湯島天満宮) / Tokyo・Yushima
4) Nishiarai Daishi Sōji-ji Temple (西新井大師) / Tokyo・Nishiarai
3) Kanda Myōjin Shrine (神田明神) / Tokyo・Ochanomizu
2) Hanazono Shrine (花園神社) / Tokyo・Shinjuku
1) Meiji Jingū Shrine (明治神宮) / Tokyo・Yoyogi

5) Yushima Tenman-gū Shrine (湯島天満宮) / Tokyo・Yushima

Yushima Tenman-gū (湯島天満宮) is a Shinto shrine located in the Bunkyō ward of Tokyo. In February 1355 the shrine was expanded to enshrine the kami Tenjin (天神) as well. Tenjin is the deification of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), a famous scholar, poet and politician from the Heian period(794 - 1185). As a kami he is associated to scholarship and learning. Currently both kami are enshrined in Yushima Tenman-gū.

You can find more informations about Yushima on this article.

SAMURAI MEETUPS

From Wishing to Success in Studies or Love, Let’s Discover Yushima!

https://samuraimeetups.or.jp/local/from-wishing-to-success-in-studies-or-love-lets-discover-yushima

When you think of tourist attractions in Tokyo, what normally springs to mind?You may think of the large scramble crossing in Shibuya(渋谷), anime and comics, electronic goods, Akihabara（秋葉原) and its “Idol” groups, Sensoji temple in the famous...

Yushima Tenman-gū Shrine(湯島天満宮)

Address: 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 113-0034
Access: 5 minute by foot from Yushima Station
Opening hours: 6:00AM-8:00PM
Entrance fee: Free
Website: http://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/eng-page/english.htm

4) Nishiarai Daishi Sōji-ji Temple (西新井大師) / Tokyo・Nishiarai

Nishiarai Daishi, located in Nishiarai, is a temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism. Its formal name is Gochisan Henjōin Sōji-ji (総持寺). This is one of the Three Great Temples in the Kantō region along with Kawasaki Daishi(川崎大師平間寺) and Sano Yakuyoke Daishi(佐野厄除け大師), and a large number of people annually visit the temple at New Year.

Nishiarai Daishi Sōji-ji Temple(西新井大師)

Address: 1-15-1, Nishiarai, Adachi-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 123-0841
Access: 1 minute by foot from Daishimae Station
Opening hours: 24hours
Entrance fee: Free
Website: http://www.nishiaraidaishi.or.jp

3) Kanda Myōjin Shrine (神田明神) / Tokyo・Ochanomizu

Kanda Myōjin Shrine(神田明神), is a Shinto shrine located in Ochanomizu, Tokyo. The shrine dates back 1,280 years, but the current structure was rebuilt several times due to fire and earthquakes. Kanda Myōjin Shrine was an important shrine to both the warrior class and citizens of Japan, especially during the Edo period(1603-1868), when Tokugawa Ieyasu(徳川家康) shogunate paid his respects at Kanda Myōjin Shrine.

KandaMyōjin Shrine (神田明神)

Address: 2-16-2 Soto Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 101-0021
Access: 5 minute by foot from Ochanomizu Station
Opening hours: 24hours
Entrance fee: Free
Website: http://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp

2) Hanazono Shrine (花園神社) / Tokyo・Shinjuku

Hanazono Shrine (花園神社) is a Shinto shrine located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Hanazono Shrine was founded in the Edo period(1603-1868). Hanazono Jinja nestled in the heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku ward, it is a small and unobtrusive structure that, according to Fodor's, just happens to be one of the most historical and traditional shrines in Japan. Constructed in the Edo period by the Hanazono(花園) family, this Inari(稲荷) shrine is a favorite place for businessmen to pray for successful ventures.

Hanazono Shrine (花園神社)

Address: 5-17-3, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 160-0022
Access: 1 minute by foot from Shinjuku 3 chome Station
Opening hours: 24hours
Entrance fee: Free
Website: http://www.hanazono-jinja.or.jp/mt/cms/webdir/index.html

1) Meiji Jingū Shrine (明治神宮) / Tokyo・Yoyogi

Meiji Jingū Shrine, located in Yoyogi, Tokyo, is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji(明治天皇) and his wife, Empress Shōken(昭憲皇太后). After the emperor's death in 1912, the Japanese Diet passed a resolution to commemorate his role in the Meiji Restoration(明治維新). An iris garden in an area of Tokyo where Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken had been known to visit was chosen as the building's location.

You can find more informations about Meiji Jingu Shrine on this article.

SAMURAI MEETUPS

Meiji Jingu: The Largest Shinto Shrine in Tokyo

https://samuraimeetups.or.jp/local/meiji-jingu-the-largest-shinto-shrine-in-tokyo

There are many shrines in Japan - but only a handful are called jingu(神宮). Meiji Jingu Shrine(明治神宮) is one of them, and enshrines Emperor Meiji(明治天皇) and his Empress Shōken(昭憲皇太后). Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of the great spots you ca...

Meiji Jingū Shrine (明治神宮)

Address: 1-1 Kamizono-cho Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 151-8557
Access: 5 minute by foot from JR Harajuku Station
Opening hours: 9:00AM-4:00PM
Entrance fee: Free
Website: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/index.html

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 1!