Spending New Year’s Day Praying 🙏 🤲 for Blessings (Fukuoka) 2024
In Japan, New Year’s Day (known as Shōgatsu or Oshōgatsu) is one of the most important holidays, and visiting temples and shrines is a significant tradition during this time.
Hatsumode (初詣) refers to the first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year. This is a major cultural event for many Japanese people, typically occurring from January 1st to January 3rd. People visit these sacred places to pray for good health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year. They may also make wishes for success, peace, and personal goals. It’s common for people to visit family shrines, local temples, or famous shrines, such as Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (太宰府天満宮), Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社), Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社), and Hakata Sumo Shrine (博多相撲神社).