New Year Traditions in Japan: Hatsumode

Hatsumode is the first prayers at / visit to a shrine or temple in the New Year. However, unlike say Christmas mass that is usually done on Christmas day or a few days either side of Christmas day, Hatsumode has no time limit. But temples and shrines usually allocate a hatsumode period, where they will have special hatsumode prayers on daily and / or related goods on sale. In addition, during the allocated hatsumode period a lot of temples and shrines have food stalls in the precincts. 

In Saitama Prefecture, where I live, the allocated Hatsumode season varies greatly by temple or shrine. The shrine in the photo in this post only have their official Hatsumode period for one week - from January 1st to 7th. But most of the shrines and temples in Kawagoe city have hatsumode until at least January 28th. There are also several shrines and temples in Saitama Prefecture that have their 'official' hatsumode period well into February.

Regardless, you can do Hatsumode whenever you like essentially. But if you want to pick up some of the amulets and religious paraphernalia only available during the hatsumode period, and / or you want to soak up the New Year atmosphere, the first week of January is the best time to do it. However, in saying that, I have been at a few different shrines and temples this week and there is still quite a festive atmosphere! And the shrines and temples are still busier than an average week.

Do you do hatsumode? Have you done it yet this year?