New Year’s Pilgrimage (Hatsumoude)

Hatsumode (New Year’s Pilgrimage) is a traditional Japanese event in which people visit shrines and temples after the New Year to pray for a safe and successful year. The following is the general flow of Hatsumode:

Arriving at the shrine or temple

Shrines and temples are the most common places to visit for Hatsumode. Because of the large number of worshippers, they can be crowded, but try to calm down and visit the shrine or temple.

Purify your hands at a “chozuisha” (water purification room).

Before visiting the shrine, it is customary to purify your hands and mouth at the chozuisha. The order is as follows:

1. Take the ladle with your right hand and wash your left hand.
2. The left hand takes the ladle and washes the right hand.
3. Rinse the mouth, but do not put the ladle directly on the mouth.
4. Wash the handle of the ladle and put it back.

Proceed to the place of worship.

When you proceed to the place of worship, bow lightly in front of the shrine or temple, calm your mind, and offer your prayers.

Praying for a wish

For shrines, the general method of worship is as follows:

1. Bow twice
2. Clap hands twice
3. Pray
4. Bow once

In the case of temples, do not clap your hands and pray silently. When you visit the temple, pray for the health and happiness of yourself and your family, as well as your aspirations for the year ahead. Make your wishes quietly in your mind.

Good luck charms and omikuji

After visiting the shrine, it is common to draw an omamori (good luck charm) or omikuji (omikuji).
Japanese love to draw omikuji!

• The amulet is to ask for protection as you wear it through the year.
• Omikuji are written with good or bad fortune. The omikuji you draw may be tied around the temple grounds to test your luck.

Returning after praying

When you have finished worshipping, bring back a sense of gratitude as you return along the approach to the shrine or temple. Leave the shrine or temple grounds with a refreshed feeling.

Summary

1. Purify yourself at the Tezumisha
2. The manner of praying
3. Pray for your wish
4. Receive omamori (good luck charm) or omikuji (fortune slip)

This is the general flow of Hatsumode. Most Japanese know these manners, so it is not difficult if you imitate them!