Japanese Tradition: Hatsumode

 Hatsumode, a New Year's visit to shrines and temples

Hatsumode, or New Year's visits to shrines and temples, are held at the beginning of each year to wish for happiness in the new year.

Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is considered the most visited shrine in Japan, attracts about 3 million people who come to pray for good luck in the coming year. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of the New Year at famous shrines and temples, or quietly at more secluded temples and shrines.

It is an event that symbolizes the New Year, and the method of worship varies, with some people going to local shrines and temples, while others visit famous shrines and temples. The timing of visitation also differs from person to person, with some saying "Hatsumode is only possible if you go on the first three days of the year" and others saying "Hatsumode is the first visit of the year.

Hatsumode, an annual New Year's event, refers to the first visit to a shrine or temple after the New Year. It is a custom to express gratitude for the old year and pray for good fortune in the new year. The origin of this custom comes from "Toshigomori," a prayer for peace and happiness in the New Year, which was performed from the night of New Year's Eve to the morning of New Year's Day, with people staying at shrines and temples and working without sleep or rest.

Originally, it was customary to visit the shrine or temple where the local deity of the area where one lived was enshrined, or the shrine or temple in the direction of the New Year's blessing, called "ehou mairi". However, with the passage of time, the custom shifted to a style where people could freely choose a shrine or temple of their choice, regardless of their area of residence or direction of blessing. The term "Hatsumode" did not come into use until the Taisho era (1912-1926), so the history of Hatsumode is rather short.

When should I go to Hatsumode?

Most people will visit Hatsumode between January 1 and 3, the three days of the New Year. In general, it is considered a good rule of thumb to visit shrines during the "Matsunouchi" period. Matsunouchi refers to the period during which pine trees such as kadomatsu (gate pine) and matsudari (pine decorations) are displayed to serve as landmarks and guides for the arrival of the New Year's gods.

The period of Matsunouchi differs between the Kanto and Kansai regions. In the Kanto region, the period is from January 1 to 7, while in the Kansai region, the period is from January 1 to 15.

Due to the recent situation surrounding the coronavirus infection, shrines and temples across Japan are taking measures to prevent the spread of infection in accordance with the new lifestyle. Some shrines and temples, which originally set the period until the end of the pine season, are calling for "decentralized Hatsumode" by extending the period of worship to February 1, which is the lunar New Year, February 3, which is Setsubun, and February 15, which is the lunar minor New Year.

Some temples and shrines require the wearing of masks, temperature checks, and hand sanitizing, and a different style of Hatsumode has become widespread. For those who find it difficult to visit shrines and temples by the end of the Matsu-no-Uchi period, or who wish to visit shrines and temples slowly and safely to avoid crowds and congestion, it is recommended to visit by the end of February.

General Manners of Hatsumode Pilgrimage

There are two options for the destination of Hatsumode: shrines and temples. You may visit either one, but please note that the way of worship differs depending on whether the deity enshrined is a god or a Buddha. Let's keep in mind the proper manners and etiquette for each so as not to avoid embarrassment by doing it wrong.

For Shrines

When visiting a shrine, first go through the torii gate. Bow lightly and avoid going through the center, and proceed to the tezumisha (there are several names for it, such as "temizuya" or "temizusha"). At the Tezumisha, purify your left hand, right hand, mouth, and handle of the ladle in this order before visiting the shrine. Once you have purified your hands and mind in the Tezumisha, it is time to begin praying.

After bowing lightly, pay the money offering and ring the bell. The bow at a shrine is "Nirei Ni-Beat-Itte". Straighten your posture, bow deeply twice, bring your hands to chest level, and clap your right hand twice while slightly pulling your right hand forward.

Keep your hands together, close your eyes, report and thank for the old year, and then finish your New Year's greetings and wishes. Finally, straighten your posture once more and bow deeply once to end the ceremony. The number of times to bow and clap may differ depending on the shrine. Check the etiquette of the shrine you are visiting in advance. On the way back to the shrine, bow lightly when passing through the torii gate.

For temples 

When visiting a temple, first go through the gate. Bow lightly and proceed to the hand-watering basin, crossing the threshold to avoid stepping on the threshold. Purification at the hand basin is the same as at a Shinto shrine. If there is a place to buy incense or candles, or if the temple has a koukaku, purify yourself by bathing in the smoke.

The next step is to visit the shrine. Head for the main hall and the main image, bow lightly, and make a monetary donation. If there is a Buddhist altar such as a crocodile mouth, ring it once. While holding your palms together, say a few words of thanks and prayer in your heart, and end the visit with a deep bow. On your way back to the temple, bow lightly as you pass through the gate, and step over the threshold to avoid stepping on the floor.

Amount of money to be donated

There is no rule regarding the amount of money that must be paid in monetary offerings. A "osaisen" is money offered to the gods or Buddha in gratitude for the fulfillment of a prayer. There is no problem in offering money that you happen to have in your wallet at the time of Hatsumode (New Year's visit to a shrine).

Osaisen at a shrine is a way of expressing gratitude to God. At temples, Osaisen means "offerings" as part of the practice of renouncing one's own greed. In any case, it is important to pay with your feelings, not the amount of money, and there is the fun of paying an auspicious amount, such as 5 yen (= good luck) or a coin with a hole in it (= good prospects), but recently some people are using electronic money to pay offerings.