The Best Shrines for Hatsumode in Tokyo 2026 Guide

Hatsumode is the first shrine visit of the year in Japan. Tokyo offers many beautiful locations for this important spiritual tradition in 2026. You should plan your visit carefully to avoid the largest crowds of people. Reading this Tokyo winter travel guide 2026 will help you prepare. Many shrines stay open for twenty-four hours during the first few days.

The best shrines for Hatsumode in Tokyo provide a unique look at local culture. People pray for health, safety, and good luck for the new year ahead. You will see thousands of visitors dressed in beautiful traditional kimono or warm winter coats. The energy at these sacred sites is truly special and very memorable for travelers.

Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku

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Meiji Jingu is the most popular spot for Hatsumode in all of Tokyo. Over three million people visit this sacred site during the New Year period. The shrine honors Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in a peaceful forest setting. It is one of the best shrines for Hatsumode in Tokyo for a traditional experience.

You will find the shrine located very close to Harajuku and Yoyogi stations. Walking through the massive wooden torii gates feels like entering a different world. The gravel paths are wide but they quickly fill with thousands of eager visitors. You should expect to wait several hours if you visit on January first.

Police officers manage the large crowds using megaphones and temporary barriers for safety. You can follow the detailed Meiji Jingu Shrine New Year visit guide for specific directions. It is helpful to arrive early in the morning or late at night. The atmosphere remains respectful even with so many people gathered together in one place.

Many visitors buy new charms called omamori to bring good luck for the year. You can also write your wishes on wooden tablets known as ema for everyone. Food stalls often line the paths outside the main shrine area during this time. You can try local snacks like grilled corn or sweet hot sake called amazake.

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo and a major center for worship. It is located in the heart of the historic Asakusa district near the river. The bright red Kaminarimon Gate welcomes visitors with its massive and famous paper lantern. This site is always a top choice for the best shrines for Hatsumode in Tokyo.

The approach to the temple is lined with small shops selling traditional souvenirs. This street is called Nakamise-dori and it offers many delicious Japanese treats for travelers. You can buy fresh senbei crackers or sweet bean cakes while you walk along. The festive decorations make the entire area feel very special during the New Year.

Many people come here to draw an omikuji paper fortune for the coming year. If you get a bad fortune you can tie it to a metal rack. This action helps to leave the bad luck behind at the temple site. It is a common practice that many locals follow during their first visit.

The incense burner in front of the main hall is another popular stop here. Visitors wave the smoke toward their bodies to seek healing and good health for 2026. You will see people of all ages participating in this ancient and smoky ritual. The scent of burning incense fills the air around the entire temple complex.

Kanda Myojin Shrine for Good Fortune

Kanda Myojin is a shrine with a history that spans over one thousand years. It is situated near the Akihabara electronics district and the Ochanomizu station area. This shrine is very popular with business people looking for success in their work. It is considered one of the best shrines for Hatsumode in Tokyo for wealth.

Many tech workers visit this shrine to have their electronic devices blessed by priests. You can even buy special charms designed to protect your computer from digital harm. The shrine blends ancient traditions with the modern culture of the surrounding city area. It provides a unique look at how Shinto practices adapt to the modern world.

The architecture of Kanda Myojin is stunning with its vibrant red and gold colors. The main gate is particularly impressive and serves as a great spot for photos. During the New Year the shrine grounds are filled with many lively food stalls. You can enjoy a variety of classic Japanese street food while soaking in the energy.

Daikokuten and Ebisu are the two main deities honored at this important urban shrine. They are known as gods of wealth and are very popular with local residents. You can see large statues of these lucky gods within the shrine grounds themselves. Praying here is a great way to start your financial year on a positive note.

Hie Shrine and the Red Torii Gates

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Hie Shrine sits on a hill in the Akasaka district near the National Diet. It serves as a guardian shrine for the Imperial Palace and the whole city. The shrine is famous for its beautiful tunnel of bright red torii gates on one side. This stunning visual feature makes it one of the best shrines for Hatsumode in Tokyo.

You can reach the main shrine area by using modern outdoor escalators on the hill. This mix of modern technology and ancient spirituality is very common in modern Tokyo. The shrine grounds offer a peaceful escape from the busy skyscrapers of the Akasaka area. It is a perfect place for a quiet and reflective New Year prayer session.

The monkey is the sacred messenger of the deity at this particular Shinto shrine. You will find many statues of monkeys dressed in traditional clothing around the grounds. These statues are thought to protect families and help with easy childbirth for many. Visitors often pat the statues for good luck before they leave the shrine area.

Many couples visit Hie Shrine to pray for a happy and lasting marriage together. The serene atmosphere makes it a romantic spot for a first New Year visit. You can purchase unique charms that feature the monkey theme for your home or car. The shrine is less crowded than Meiji Jingu but still feels very festive and lively.

Tokyo Daijingu for Love and Relationships

Tokyo Daijingu is often called the Ise Jingu of Tokyo by many local people. It is located in the Iidabashi district and is very easy to find. This shrine is famous for being a powerful spot for those seeking love and romance. Many young people consider it the best shrines for Hatsumode in Tokyo for relationships.

The shrine was the first place to hold a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony in Japan. Because of this history it attracts many people looking for a future marriage partner. The charms sold here are particularly beautiful and focus on the theme of love. You can find charms shaped like lily of the valley flowers for good luck.

The fortunes at Tokyo Daijingu are available in English for international visitors to read. These omikuji provide detailed advice about your romantic life and your general future prospects. The shrine grounds are small but they are very well maintained and quite peaceful. You will often see long lines of young women waiting to offer their prayers.

Visiting this shrine during the first few days of January is a wonderful experience. The staff are very helpful and the decorations are elegant and quite traditional. You can feel the hopeful energy of all the visitors seeking a new start. It is a small gem in the heart of the city for New Year.

Practical Tips for Your 2026 Visit

You must prepare for cold temperatures when visiting shrines during the New Year period. Most people wait outside in lines for several hours at the most popular locations. It is essential to wear layers and bring heat packs for your hands. Checking the best clothes for Tokyo winter will ensure you stay warm.

Many trains in Tokyo run all night long on New Year's Eve for travelers. You should check the updated schedules for 2026 before you head out for the night. Using a prepaid IC card will make your travel much smoother and faster. Keep in mind that some stations might be very crowded and have restricted entry.

You should carry small coins for your offerings at the various shrines and temples. The five-yen coin is considered the luckiest because its name sounds like a good connection. Avoid using large bills as it is seen as less traditional for a prayer. Having a small pouch for your coins will make the process much easier.

Remember to be respectful and quiet while you are on the sacred shrine grounds. Follow the lead of the locals when you are unsure about the proper etiquette. Avoid taking photos of the inner sanctum where the deities are thought to reside. A polite attitude will make your Hatsumode experience much more meaningful and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What exactly is Hatsumode in Tokyo?

Hatsumode is the first visit to a shrine or temple in the New Year. People pray for health, safety, and prosperity for the coming twelve months. It is a major cultural event for everyone in Japan.

When is the best time to visit for Hatsumode?

Most people visit between January first and January third for the tradition. However, you can go anytime in the first week of the year. The shrines are often open late on New Year's Eve.

Do I need to pay an entry fee to visit?

There is no entry fee for the shrines themselves during Hatsumode. You should bring small coins for your personal offering at the altar. Charms and fortunes usually cost between 500 and 1,000 yen.

Visiting the best shrines for Hatsumode in Tokyo is a highlight of the winter season. You will experience a deep part of Japanese culture during these festive first days of 2026. Remember to dress warmly and bring small coins for your offerings at each site. We hope your first visit of the year brings you great luck and happiness.

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