My Favorites

My Tokyo Guide

See something interesting? Click on the heart button in the article to add a page from this site to My Favorites.

Main content starts here.

Updated: February 1, 2024

Hatsumode 初詣

Meiji-jingu Shrine, 1-1 Yogogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
2024-1-1 - Mid January 2024

Note: The 2024 installment of this event has already taken place.

Many people in Japan visit a shrine or temple on the night of December 31. Amidst the sound of a bell ringing exactly 108 times, people welcome the New Year by offering up their prayers. This practice is called hatsumode. Another common pattern is to celebrate New Year's Eve at home, and perform the hatsumode as their first outing of the new year. People often complete the day by hitting the shops for January sales, or heading to another special event. It's an extremely memorable time of year.
Notably, Meiji-jingu Shrine, which was built in celebration of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, draws several million people between New Year's Eve and January 3. In 2024, the shrine will commemorate the 110-year anniversary of Empress Shoken's death.
Take part in the hatsumode tradition and pray for health and good luck in the year ahead.

How to Get There

  • Harajuku Station | 1 min on foot
    JR Yamanote Line
  • Meiji-jingumae Station
    Chiyoda Line | Fukutoshin Line
  • Sangubashi Station | 3 min on foot
    Odakyu Line

Your current location:

Western Tokyo

Harajuku

Keywords

Opening Hours

  • Open from sunrise to sunset (hours vary per month)
  • Open all night on December 31

Please check the official event website for the latest updates on opening dates and times, prices, and other information.

Reference Link