Hatsumode: The First Shrine Visit of the New Year

Roots of Hatsumode: Locked in Prayer

Surprisingly, the term "Hatsumode" only became common after the Meiji era with the modernization of trains.

Originally, there was a custom called **"Toshigomori,"** where the head of the household would stay inside the local shrine from New Year's Eve to New Year's morning to pray for the family's safety. This evolved into "Joya-mode" (New Year's Eve visit) and "Ganjitsu-mode" (New Year's Day visit), eventually merging into the modern Hatsumode event where families travel to famous shrines.

Shrine or Temple: Which Should I Visit?

The conclusion is **"Either is fine."** Due to Japan's long history of Shinbutsu Shugo (syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism), both are bustling during New Year's.

Crowd Survival Guide: Meiji Jingu & Narita-san

Visiting a famous shrine like Meiji Jingu (Tokyo) or Naritasan (Chiba) is an endurance sport. They receive over 3 million visitors in three days.

• Wait Times: Expect to wait 2 to 4 hours in line just to reach the offering box.
• Restriction Entry: Police will control the flow (`Kisei-taijo`). You will move in blocks. Listen to the "DJ Police" (officers on loudspeakers) who often use witty humor to keep the crowd calm.
• Fashion Warning: Standing on gravel for hours freezes your toes. Wear thick socks, boots, and stick `Kairo` (heat packs) on your back and inside your shoes. The cold is the biggest enemy of a happy Hatsumode.

The Feast After Prayer: Yatai Culture

Surviving the line has a reward: Street Food (`Yatai`). The approach to the shrine is often lined with hundreds of stalls.

• Amazake: Sweet, hot fermented rice drink. It warms the body and is full of nutrients.
• Toshikoshi Soba: Often eaten on New Year's Eve, but available at shrines too. The long noodles symbolize a long life.
• Baby Castella: Tiny sponge cakes, a festival staple.

Eating this "sacred festival food" is part of absorbing the vital energy of the New Year.

New Year's Lucky Charms Guide

One of the joys of Hatsumode is the special "Engimono" (lucky charms) available only at this time. Choose what you need for yourself right now.

• Hamaya (Demon-Breaking Arrow): An arrow to destroy evil. Displaying it at home is said to ward off misfortune and shoot for good luck.
• Kumade (Rake): A tool to "rake in" good fortune. Popular among business owners. It is stylish to buy a slightly larger one each year.
• Zodiac Ornaments: These act as a "Yorishiro" (vessel) to welcome the "Toshigami-sama" (New Year God). Recommended for the entrance.

Dondo-yaki: The Fire Festival

What do you do with last year's charms? Do not throw them in the trash!

Bring them to the shrine's "Kosatsu-nosho" (OLD Charms Return Area). Around January 15th, shrines hold a fire festival called **"Dondo-yaki"** or **"Sagicho"**.

In this spectacular bonfire, old charms, New Year's decorations (`Shimekazari`), and Daruma dolls are burned. The smoke returns the spirits to heaven. Roasting mochi (rice cakes) in this sacred fire and eating it is said to prevent colds for the year.

Avoiding Crowds: "Matsunouchi"

Think you must go by January 3rd? Not at all.

If you visit during **"Matsunouchi"** (until Jan 7th in Kanto, Jan 15th in Kansai), while the pine decorations are up, it is considered a proper Hatsumode. Choosing a later date to face the kami quietly away from the chaos is a wise, mature choice.

A Ritual to Start a New You

Settling last year's regrets with a big cleaning and the temple bells, placing hands together with a blank slate.

Hatsumode is a ritual of rebirth that teaches us "we can start over anytime." What path do you want to walk this year? The kami are quietly waiting for your resolution.