Daily Life Lessons · Shrines
When going on hatsumode, choose a date, time and means of transportation with crowds and traffic restrictions in mind, and be able to pray safely by following the directions of staff.
Hatsumode (初詣) is the custom of visiting a shrine or temple in the New Year to pray for a safe year and other wishes. The way to pray is the same as usual.
Famous shrines become extremely crowded from the night of New Year's Eve (大みそか) through the first three days of January (三が日), and it can take a long time to reach the worship hall. Some shrines, such as Meiji Jingu, publish their busiest times and ask visitors to spread out their visits, or do not allow cars into the grounds during the first three days of January. Nearby roads may also be restricted, so use public transportation and follow the directions of security guards and staff. If you are with small children or use a wheelchair or stroller, it is easier to avoid the busiest days and times.
For people who have recently lost a family member, the Association of Shinto Shrines (神社本庁) explains that if there is a local custom about visiting shrines, you should follow it; if there is no particular custom, you may resume visits once the mourning period (忌, generally 50 days) has passed.
初詣（はつもうで）は、新しい 年に 神社や お寺に お参りする 習慣（しゅうかん）です。
1. お参りの しかたは、いつもと 同じです。 2. 大みそかの 夜から 1月3日ごろは、とても 混みます。長く 待つ ことが あります。 3. 車では なく、電車や バスで 行きましょう。 4. 警備員（けいびいん）や 係の 人の 案内に 従います。 5. 小さい 子どもや 車いす・ベビーカーの 人は、混む 時間を さけると 安心です。
家族が 亡くなって すぐの 人の 神社への お参りは、地域の 習慣に したがいます。決まった 習慣が なければ、50日ぐらい たってからが 目安です。
What is the etiquette for praying at hatsumode?
The etiquette is the same as a usual visit. Etiquette may differ by shrine.
When do famous shrines get especially crowded?
They are especially crowded from the night of New Year's Eve through the first three days of January. Meiji Jingu also publishes its busiest times.
What means of transportation is recommended for hatsumode?
Some shrines, such as Meiji Jingu, do not allow cars into the grounds during the first three days of January, and nearby roads may be restricted, so use public transportation.
What is important on a crowded approach path?
To prevent accidents, move along following the directions.
What guideline does the Association of Shinto Shrines give for people who have recently lost a family member?
The Association of Shinto Shrines says to follow local custom if there is one; if there is no particular custom, visits may resume once the mourning period (generally 50 days) has passed.
Q. Should I go to a shrine or a temple for hatsumode?
A. Some people visit shrines and some visit temples. Visit the shrine or temple you want to, following the etiquette of each.
Q. I don't like crowds. What can I do?
A. You can go at a time that avoids the busy hours on the night of New Year's Eve and the first three days of January. Some shrines, such as Meiji Jingu, show their busiest times on their official website, so check before you go.
Q. It is hard for me to go out, so I can't go.
A. There is no need to push yourself to go out. Some people visit later on a day when they feel well, or ask a family member to go on their behalf.
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Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original