Hatsumode is the Japanese tradition of making the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year. Rather than a strict religious obligation, hatsumode is a cultural practice centered on gratitude for the past year and quiet reflection on the year ahead. Understanding hatsumode helps explain why prayer, omikuji, and omamori are so closely associated with the New Year in Japan. This article explains what hatsumode is, when it takes place, what people typically do during their visit, and what visitors should expect.   What Is Hatsumode? Hatsumode literally means “first visit” and refers to the first visit to a shrine or temple after the New Year begins. Many people visit to: Express gratitude for the previous year Pray for health, safety, and good fortune Mark a symbolic fresh start Hatsumode blends spiritual reflection with seasonal tradition, making it one of the most widely observed customs in Japan.   When Does Hatsumode Take Place? Hatsumode usually takes place between January 1 and January 3. However, there is no strict rule. Some people visit later in the first week of January to avoid large crowds. What matters is the intention to begin the year with a respectful visit.   What People Do During Hatsumode Although details vary by location, a typical hatsumode visit includes several familiar actions. Praying at the Shrine Visitors begin by praying at the main hall. If you are unfamiliar with the process, see this guide: How to Pray at a Shinto Shrine in Japan Prayer during hatsumode often focuses on gratitude first, ...

Praying at a Shinto shrine is a traditional Japanese practice of showing respect and gratitude toward the kami (Shinto deities). Rather than strict religious worship, shrine prayer is a calm ritual rooted in purification, mindfulness, and awareness of sacred space. Understanding this etiquette helps explain why gestures such as bowing, clapping, and cleansing matter—and why items like goshuin and omamori are treated with care. This guide explains the basic steps of praying at a Shinto shrine, common mistakes to avoid, and the cultural meaning behind each gesture.   Step 1: Purify Yourself at the Temizuya Before you approach the main hall, stop at the temizuya, the water basin used for purification. This ritual is not only about physical cleanliness. It symbolizes purifying both body and spirit before greeting the kami. Take the ladle with your right hand and pour water over your left hand. Switch hands and pour water over your right hand. Pour a little water into your left hand and gently rinse your mouth. Never touch the ladle directly to your lips. Rinse your left hand again. Let the remaining water run down the handle of the ladle to cleanse it before putting it back. After this short ritual, you are symbolically prepared to enter the sacred space with a clear heart.   Step 2: Walk Through the Torii Gate The torii gate marks the boundary between the everyday world and the sacred realm of the shrine. Bow once lightly before passing through the torii. Walk slightly to the side of the main ...

Joya no Kane is the Japanese tradition of ringing temple bells 108 times on New Year’s Eve.   It isn’t a loud countdown party; it is a spiritual deep breath. Each strike of the bell symbolizes the release of worldly burdens—like anger and anxiety—allowing people to "reset" their hearts and welcome January 1st with a clear mind.   What Is Joya no Kane? Joya no Kane literally means “the bell of New Year’s Eve.”   On the night of December 31, Buddhist temples across Japan ring their large bronze bells in a slow, echoing rhythm. While fireworks and cheering mark the New Year in many Western countries, Japan’s approach is different.   The atmosphere is calm, cold, and reflective.   Whether performed by monks or visitors lining up to strike the bell, the ritual serves one purpose: to close the old year properly before the new one begins.   Why 108 Times?   The number 108 is deeply rooted in Buddhist belief. It is said that humans are burdened by 108 bonnō (worldly desires or passions) that disturb the mind.   These include common human struggles such as: Anger Greed Jealousy Attachment to the past In this tradition, each toll of the bell is a symbolic release.   Think of it not as a magic spell, but as a gentle reminder to let go. With every strike, you leave behind a little bit of the year’s weight, making space for a fresh start.   A “Reset Button” for the Soul Why do Japanese people cherish this sound so much? It’s because ...

In many countries, Christmas decorations remain until January. But in Japan, something striking happens: the moment Christmas ends on December 25th, the entire atmosphere shifts overnight. On December 26th, Santa displays disappear, and stores fill with shimekazari, kadomatsu, kagami mochi, and ingredients for traditional New Year dishes. It feels as if the country has changed seasons in a single night.   Why the Switch Happens So Fast This dramatic shift comes from the cultural difference in how Christmas and the New Year are viewed in Japan: Christmas is a light, seasonal event — illumination, gifts for children, and romantic dinners. The New Year is spiritually significant — a time to welcome the deity Toshigami, reset life, and start fresh. Because the New Year holds deeper meaning, Japan quickly leaves Christmas behind and focuses on preparing for a sacred beginning.   Ōsōji: Clearing Space for the New Year Before the New Year, families perform ōsōji, a deep cleaning that removes the dust, worries, and bad luck of the past year. This is not merely tidying — it is a ritual reset. Once the home is spiritually refreshed, people hang shimekazari and prepare to welcome Toshigami. The cultural rhythm naturally leaves no place for a “post-Christmas” atmosphere.   Why January 1st Is a Clear Reset Point For many Japanese people, January 1st is more than the first day of the calendar — it is a complete reset, a moment to start the year with a clean slate. This is why Christmas, as a “previous-year event,” is never ...

Nengajō are Japan’s traditional New Year greeting cards, sent to express gratitude and maintain relationships. But in recent years, rising postage costs, the convenience of smartphones, and lifestyle changes have led to a clear decline. This article explains the cultural meaning of nengajō, why they are disappearing, and why some people — and companies — still send them today.   What Is a Nengajō? A nengajō is a postcard sent to friends, family, and acquaintances to welcome the new year. Japan Post runs a special system ensuring that cards mailed in December arrive exactly on January 1st, making it a nationwide ritual. For decades, opening the mailbox on the morning of January 1st to find a stack of bright cards was a quintessential Japanese New Year experience.   The Cultural Value Behind Nengajō Maintaining Social Connections Nengajō reaffirm relationships you may not see often. A simple “Thank you for last year” keeps social ties warm. A Clear Cultural “Boundary” Japan highly values clear transitions between old and new. Nengajō symbolically close the previous year and open the next with respect. Gratitude and Respect From teachers and coworkers to relatives and mentors, nengajō offer a chance to reflect on relationships and express appreciation.   Traditional Designs: Why the Zodiac (Eto) Matters Most nengajō feature the year’s zodiac animal (eto). This has become one of the most recognizable elements of Japanese New Year aesthetics. Zodiac animals — the most common design, symbolizing good luck Mount Fuji — strength and hope First sunrise — a classic symbol of ...