Hiragata Shrine

Not too busy for hatsumode

Hiragata Shrine in Nagaoka is a nice spot for visit for hatsumode if you're looking for a shrine that isn't super packed with wall-to-wall people. The shrine has a history dating back to the Tenpyo era (729-749), and it's home to a number of different annual events. Obviously hatsumode is one of them (up until January 10th), but they also celebrate setsubun, a spring festival, various summer festivals including a windchime event, and shichi-go-san.