初詣Hatsumōde (first shrine visit)

Hatsumōde (初詣, hatsumōde) is one of the major Japanese traditions of the new year, which is the first visit to a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine of the Japanese New Year. Typically taking place on the first, second, or third day of the year, it is meant to bring a fresh start to the year. Hatsumōde is written with two kanji: the former means “first” and the latter means “visiting a shrine or temple.”

Many visit on the first, second, or third day of the year. Generally, wishes for the new year are made, new omamori (charms or amulets) are bought, and the old ones are returned to the shrine so they can be cremated. Major shrines throughout Japan often have long queues.

Most people in Japan outside of the retail and emergency service professions are off work from December 29 until January 3 of every year. It is during this time that the house is cleaned, debts are paid, friends and family are visited and gifts are exchanged. It is customary to spend the early morning of New Year's Day in domestic worship, followed by consumption of sake (toso) and special celebration food (e.g. osechi, zōni).

The tradition is believed to be fairly recent and primarily created during the Meiji era by railway companies seeking to drive custom.

Some shrines and temples have millions of visitors over the three days. Sensoji temple in Tokyo is the most popular one.

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