Guide

Discover Oshogatsu: Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Japanese Way in Fukuoka
For many of our readers, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Japan may be a novel experience. It’s a splendid chance to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japanese traditions.

Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year, bears a heartwarming resemblance to Western Christmas traditions. It’s a time for sending heartfelt nengajo (New Year cards) to friends and family, gathering for sumptuous traditional meals known as osechi-ryori, and embracing a spirit of unity and optimism for the year ahead.

A quintessential aspect of the Japanese New Year is hatsumode – the inaugural visit of the year to a shrine or temple. This practice is not just a spiritual journey but also a social experience. Many shrines host grand ceremonies, open to everyone, offering a unique opportunity to mingle with locals and soak in the New Year ambiance.

Fukuoka, with its diverse range of shrines, from grand and renowned to quaint and modest, offers a unique experience. In Western Japan, there’s a custom of visiting three different shrines within the first three days of the New Year. Whether it’s a neighborhood shrine or one of the more famed ones, Fukuoka Now has curated a list of fifteen must-visit shrines in and around Fukuoka City for your spiritual journey!
▷Large map – Fukuoka Hatsumode Guide 2026

Index

Mini Glossary
Shrine Introduction
• Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (Gokoku Shrine | Kego Shrine | Torikai Hachimangu)
• Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (Kushida Shrine | Sumiyoshi Shrine | Tochoji Temple | Toka Ebisu Shrine)
• Higashi-ku, Fukuoka (Hakozaki Shrine | Kashii Shrine)
• Nishi-ku, Fukuoka (Washio Atago Shrine)
• Other cities (Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine | Sakurai Shrine | Munakata Taisha Shrine | Koura Taisha Shrine | Miyajidake Shrine)
New Year’s Lucky Charms
The Right Way to Pray at a Shrine

Special New Year Mini Glossary

– Saisakimode: A pre-New Year ritual for welcoming good fortune and ensuring a prosperous start. It involves staggered worship sessions to promote an auspicious beginning. While this practice became popular during the pandemic, no temples or shrines are holding Saisakimode this year.

– Oharae-shiki (Purification Ritual): This important ritual is conducted for spiritual cleansing. It allows participants to wash away any misdeeds or errors from the past year and to pray for health and success in the upcoming year.

– Joyasai (New Year’s Eve Festival): Held on New Year’s Eve, this ceremony is a time of gratitude for the safety and peace experienced in the past year, and a prayer for continued well-being in the year to come.

– Saitansai (New Year’s Day Festival): A day of prayer for the nation’s prosperity, the well-being of the Imperial family, and a bountiful harvest.

Embark on this cultural pilgrimage and start your New Year with a uniquely Japanese experience!

Fukuoka Hatsumode Shrine Guide
Chuo Ward, Fukuoka

Gokoku Shrine (護国神社)

In the heart of Fukuoka’s urban sprawl stands an artificial forest of around 3,000 donated trees—carefully cultivated to form a sacred grove, or chinju no mori, cherished as a spiritual sanctuary for the city. Just a step inside the shrine grounds offers a welcome retreat from the noise of daily life. The atmosphere is hushed, the air crisp and bracing, evoking a sense of calm and reverence.

Facing Kokutai Road is a striking o-torii (grand shrine gate), rising 13 meters high with pillars 160 cm in diameter. Made from raw Japanese cypress, it is one of the largest of its kind in Japan.

New Year opening hours: 24h
New Year’s Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae (purification ritual) 14:00~, Joyasai 15:00 *ritual only – closed to public
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Saitansai 0:00~ *ritual only – closed to public
• Jan. 2, 2026 (Fri.)：Futsukasai (second day of the year event) 8:00~ *ritual only – closed to public
• Jan. 3, 2026 (Sat.)：Genshisai (New Year event) 8:00~ *ritual only – closed to public
• Jan. 7, 2026 (Wed.)：Nanakusa Festival 10:00~ *Attendees will get Nanakusa Mochi instead of Nanakusa-gayu (2 pieces, ¥700 with a lucky charm, limited quantities)

1-1-1 Ropponmatsu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 15 min. on foot from Ohori Park Subway Sta., 8 min. from Ropponmatsu Subway Sta., in front of Gokoku Jinja-mae Nishitetsu Bus stop.
https://fukuoka-gokoku.jp/

Kego Shrine (警固神社)

Said to have been founded in the year 200, this historic shrine was relocated in 1608 from the site of the former Korokan guesthouse to its current location beside Kego Park. Now surrounded by department stores and office buildings in the heart of Tenjin, the shrine grounds offer a surprising sense of calm. Stepping inside, visitors often find a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

In 2025, the shrine’s Oharae-shiki (Great Purification Ceremony) on Dec. 30 will be open to the public for in-person participation.

New Year opening hours:
• Jan. 1: 0:00~21:00
• Jan. 2 & 3: 6:00~21:00
New Year Events:
• Dec. 30, 2025 (Tue.)：Oharae
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Saitansai *ritual only – closed to public

2-2-20 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 3 min. on foot from Tenjin Subway Sta., 1 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Sta.
https://kegojinja.or.jp/

Torikai Hachimangu Shrine (鳥飼八幡宮)

This shrine is worshipped as the tutelary god shrine in west Fukuoka, with three enshrined deities: Ojin Tenno (Emperor Ojin), Jingu Kogo (Empress Jingu) and Tamayori Hime (Princess Tamayori), the god of matchmaking. People come to pray to the shrine’s “Musubi-no-kami” – God of connections, fortune, ties and matrimony – for good relations and luck in marriage, work, family, study, health and longevity.

New Year opening hours: 24h
New Year’s Events:
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Shinnensai 0:00~
• Jan. 3, 2026 (Sat.)：Genshisai 11:00~ *ritual only – closed to public

2-1-17 Imagawa, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 1 min. on foot from Jigyo Nishitetsu bus stop, 6 min. on foot from Tojinmachi Subway Sta.
https://hachimansama.jp/

Hakata Ward, Fukuoka

Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社)

Known affectionately as “Okushida-san,” Kushida Shrine is Hakata’s central guardian shrine and one of its most iconic landmarks. Believed to have been founded in 757, it holds deep historical and cultural significance. Each July, it serves as the sacred site for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional events. A decorative festival float (kazariyamakasa) is on display in the shrine grounds nearly year-round—except in June.

The shrine is renowned for its diverse blessings, including success in business and long life. During the first three days of the New Year, it draws some 150,000 worshippers who come to make their first shrine visit (hatsumode) and pray for health, prosperity, and good fortune in the year ahead.

New Year opening hours: 24h
New Year Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae (purification ritual) 16:00~, Joyasai 23:59~ *ritual only – closed to public
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Saitansai 0:00~ *ritual only – closed to public
• Jan. 3, 2026 (Sat.)：Genshisai (New Year event) 10:00~ *ritual only – closed to public

1-41 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 5 min. on foot from Gion or Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Sta.
https://hakatanomiryoku.com/spot/櫛田神社

Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社)

Established over 1,800 years ago, this shrine is reputed to be the first among 2,129 Sumiyoshi Shrines nationwide. Nestled in a serene forest, its expansive grounds feature several notable sights. These include the Sumiyoshi Shrine’s main hall, a national Important Cultural Property, the Noh theater – a Fukuoka City tangible cultural property, and the ‘Ancient Sumo Wrestler Statue’, a masterpiece by famed Hakata doll artists Nakamura Shinkyo and Hiromine. Lovingly known as ‘Sumiyoshi-san’, it holds a special place in the hearts of the local community.

New Year opening hours:
• Jan. 1: 24h
• Jan. 2 ~: *scheduled to change according to worship conditions
New Year Events:
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Saitansai 0:00~ *ritual only – closed to public
• Jan. 3, 2026 (Sat.)：Ebisu Festival 9:00~, Fukubiki lottery 9:30~17:00
• Jan. 7, 2026 (Wed.)：Tsuina Festival takes place, during which an event called usokae is said to cancel out lies that we made unconsciously during the year 19:00~ (Fuku Uso: ¥1,000)

3-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Hakata Sta. or 2 min. on foot Sumiyoshi Nishitetsu bus stop
https://www.nihondaiichisumiyoshigu.jp/

Tochoji Temple (東長寺)

This historic temple was founded in 806 by the revered monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) after his return from Tang China. It later became the family temple of the Kuroda clan, former lords of Fukuoka Castle, and is now a designated historic site of the city.

The temple features several notable highlights. Among them is a National Treasure—the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, a symbol of compassion. The Rokkakudo, a rare hexagonal hall housing a revolving sutra library, adds architectural interest. Most impressive is the Fukuoka Daibutsu, a massive seated Buddha statue carved from Japanese cypress. Standing 10.8 meters tall and weighing 30 tons, it is one of the largest wooden seated Buddha statues in Japan.

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City

New Year opening hours: 9:00~17:00
New Year Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.): Joyasai 18:00~ *Limited to the first 108 people; numbered tickets distributed from 17:00
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.) – Jan. 3, 2026 (Sat.): New Year Prayer Festival 12:00~

2-4 Gokusho-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 1 min. on foot from Gion Subway Sta.
https://hakatanomiryoku.com/spot/南岳山%E3%80%80東長寺

Toka Ebisu Shrine (十日恵比須神社)

Toka Ebisu Shrine enshrines two beloved deities: Ebisu-sama (Kotoshironushi no Okami), the god of prosperity and good fortune, often depicted holding a fishing rod and a sea bream, and Daikoku-sama (Okuninushi no Okami), worshipped as the god of matchmaking and strong relationships.

From Jan. 1 to Jan. 6, the shrine’s booth for engimono (lucky charms) will be open until 16:00 daily.

While it’s a popular spot for hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year), the main event for many locals—especially those working in business—is the Toka Ebisu Shogatsu Taisai (Jan. 8–11). This major New Year festival is a longstanding tradition in Hakata, where people pray for success in business and good fortune for the year ahead.
▷ Toka Ebisu New Year Festival

New Year opening hours: 9:30~17:00
New Year’s Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae (purification ritual) 15:00~
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Saitansai 11:00~
• Jan. 8, 2026 (Thu.) ~ Jan. 11, 2026 (Sun.): Toka Ebisu New Year Festival 8:30~

7-1 Higashikoen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 8 min. on foot from JR Yosizuka Sta., or 4 min. on foot from Chiyo Kencho-guchi Subway Sta.
https://www.tooka-ebisu.or.jp/
＠tookaebisu_official

Higashi Ward, Fukuoka

Hakozaki Shrine (筥崎宮)

Hakozaki Shrine is considered one of Japan’s three great Hachiman shrines. Said to have been founded in 923, it holds a prominent place in Fukuoka’s spiritual and cultural landscape. Each September, it hosts the Hojoya Festival—one of Hakata’s three major festivals—drawing large crowds for its rituals and lively atmosphere.

The shrine also attracts visitors year-round for its seasonal events. Within the grounds lies the Shinen Hana Teien (Shinen Flower Garden), a traditional strolling-style Japanese garden. The garden features seasonal blooms such as peonies, Chinese peonies (shakuyaku), lilies, and hydrangeas, offering color and beauty in every season.

During the New Year, the shrine is open for worship until 21:00 from Jan. 1 to 3. From Jan. 4 onward, visiting hours are 6:00 to 19:00.

New Year opening hours:
• Jan. 1 & 2: 0:00~21:00
• Jan. 3: 6:00~21:00
New Year Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae (purification ritual) 15:00~, Namako mochitsuki (mochi-pounding) 19:00~
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Sangensai (New Year’s festival) 7:00~
• Jan. 3, 2026 (Sat.)：Tamaseseri 13:00~14:30

1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 3 min. on foot from Hakozaki-Miyamae Subway Sta., 8 min. on foot from JR Hakozaki Sta., 3 min. on foot from Hakozaki Nishitetsu bus stop, 2 min. on foot from Hakozaki 1-chome JR Kyushu bus stop
https://www.hakozakigu.or.jp/

Kashii Shrine (香椎宮)

Kashii Shrine, steeped in history and tradition, is believed to have been founded in the year 200. Its main hall is built in the distinctive and complex Kashii-zukuri style—an architectural form found nowhere else in Japan. Designated a National Important Cultural Property, the structure reflects centuries of spiritual and cultural heritage.
Within the grounds stands a sacred cedar tree over 1,800 years old, revered as a goshinboku (sacred tree). Its powerful, wide-spreading branches leave a lasting impression, symbolizing endurance and spiritual strength.

Kashii Shrine is also one of just 16 chokusai-sha—shrines where imperial rituals are conducted on behalf of the emperor. In October 2025, a ceremony was held here by an imperial envoy. This New Year marks the first since that rare rite, offering visitors a chance to experience its solemn atmosphere. The grounds will remain open 24 hours a day through Jan. 7.

New Year opening hours: 24h
*Real-time updates on the queue situation for the shrine visit will be posted daily at 9 AM on the official X.
New Year Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae (purification ritual) 15:00, 16:00, Joyasai 16:30~ *ritual only – closed to public
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Saitansai 3:00~ *ritual only – closed to public

4-16-1 Kashii, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 4 min. on foot from JR Kashii-Jingu Sta., 15 min. on foot from JR Kashii Sta., 12 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Kashiigu-mae Sta.
https://kashiigu.com/

Nishi Ward, Fukuoka

Washio Atago Shrine (鷲尾愛宕神社)

One of Japan’s three major Atago shrines, Washio Atago Shrine sits atop Atago Mountain (formerly Washioyama) in the Nishi ward. Commonly known as Atago Shrine, it is a fusion of Washio Shrine and Atago Shrine from the Meiji era. With a history dating back to the reign of Emperor Keiko, it is renowned for its cherry blossoms, vibrant autumn foliage, and as a vantage point for the first sunrise of the year. Perched on a gentle hill, it offers sweeping views of Fukuoka’s iconic landmarks, including the dome, tower, and Genkai Sea. The shrine hosts a New Year’s Day festival at 3 AM, praying for global peace and national prosperity, complemented by a ‘New Year’s Fortune Draw’ featuring lucky charms like daruma dolls and maneki-neko, with no empty tickets.

New Year opening hours: 24h
New Year Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae (purification ritual) 15:00~, Joyasai 23:00~
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Gantansai (New Year’s festival) 3:00~

2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
Access: 15 min. on foot from Muromi Subway Sta., or 5 min. on foot from Atago Jinja-mae Nishitetsu bus stop
https://washioatago-jinja.com

Other Shrines Around Fukuoka City

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (太宰府天満宮)

Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship, sincerity, and the arts, Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of Fukuoka’s most iconic spiritual sites. It attracts around 10 million visitors annually from across Japan and abroad. The approach to the shrine is lined with shops selling umegae mochi (a local sweet) and souvenirs, alongside newer boutiques and cafés that bring a fresh perspective through contemporary architecture and design—adding new layers to the traditional Dazaifu experience.

A major restoration of the main hall is currently underway and scheduled for completion in early May 2026. Until then, worshippers can visit a temporary hall with a distinctive green roof—a rare and memorable opportunity to experience the shrine in a unique phase of its history.
▷The Temporary Shrine Amidst Renovation at Dazaifu Tenmangu

New Year opening hours: 24h
New Year’s Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae (purification ritual) 16:00~, Joyasai 23:00~
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Saitansai 7:00~
• Jan. 3, 2026 (Sat.)：Genshisai 9:00~
• Jan. 4, 2026 (Sun.)：Onohajime Festival 9:30~
• Jan. 7, 2026 (Wed.)：Tsuina Festival 15:00~, New Year’s Fire Festival 21:00~

4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Access: 5 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Sta.
https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en/

Sakurai Shrine (櫻井神社)

In 1632, the revered Kuroda Tadayuki, second lord of the Fukuoka Domain, founded this significant shrine. Its main hall, worship hall, and tower gate are not just architectural marvels but also recognized as National Important Cultural Properties. A walk through the forest from the Kagura hall of Sakurai Shrine leads to the serene “Sakurai Daijingu,” a shrine that hosts divided spirits from both the Inner and Outer Shrines of the esteemed Ise Jingu.

The shrine is intrinsically linked to the iconic Futamigaura of Itoshima, an area symbolized by a strikingly white torii gate that stands as a sacred object of worship at the Ura Shrine of Sakurai Shrine. The two majestic rocks nearby are deeply revered: the one to the right symbolizes the male deity Izanagi-no-Mikoto, while the one to the left venerates the female deity Izanami-no-Mikoto, each embodying a significant aspect of spiritual reverence in the region.

New Year opening hours: 24h
New Year Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae, Joyasai 22:00~ *ritual only – closed to public
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Gantansai 7:00~, Iwato Shrine opening until 1/3

4227 Shima-Sakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
Access: From JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Sta., board a Showa Bus bound for Ito Eigyosho (via Moroyoshi, Hatsu, Nogita), get off at Sakurai, and walk 14 min.
https://sakuraijinja.com/

Munaka Taisha Shrine (宗像大社)

Munakata Taisha Shrine is the collective name for three shrines: Okitsugu Shrine on Okinoshima Island,; Nakatsugu Shrine on Chikuzen Oshima Island; and Hetsugu Shrine (the head shrine) on Tashima in Munakata City, which is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as the “Island where God resides” Munakata/ Okinoshima and related heritage.” Since it has long been a strategic point for maritime traffic with the continent, it is also worshipped as a god of traffic safety. You might see many cars with Munakata Taisha stickers in Fukuoka).

New Year opening hours: 24h
New Year’s Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae (purification ritual) 15:00~
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Saitansai 9:00~
• Jan. 3, 2026 (Sat.)：Genshisai (New Year event) 9:00~

2331 Tashima, Munakata City, Fukuoka
Access: in front of Gokoku Munakata Taisha-mae Nishitetsu Bus stop.
https://munakata-taisha.or.jp/

Kora Taisha Shrine (高良大社)

Kora Taisha, steeped in over 1600 years of history, stands as the premier shrine of Chikugo Province. The shrine’s expanse includes one of Kyushu’s most majestic shrine buildings, measuring an impressive 17 meters in width, 13 meters in height, and 32 meters in depth. It features traditional kokerabuki roofing, a method involving the layering of 2-3 mm thick boards. With its construction traced back to 1660, this shrine is not only historically significant but also recognized as a national Important Cultural Property. Every New Year’s Day, the shrine comes alive with traditional lion dances at 11:00 and 13:00, offering a unique cultural experience free for all visitors.

Photo from Kurume Bureau of Tourism and International Exchange

New Year opening hours:
• Jan. 1: 0:00~19:00
• Jan. 2 & 3: 6:00~18:00
New Year Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae (purification ritual) 15:00~
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Shinkasai (sacred flame festival) 0:00~, Saitansai 8:00~, lion dance 11:00~, 13:00~
• Jan. 2, 2026 (Fri.)：Hatsuniku 8:00~
• Jan. 3, 2026 (Sat.)：Genshisai 8:00~

1 Mii-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
Access: From Nishitetsu Kurume Sta., take the Nishitetsu Bus bound for Shinai Jogakuin (via Miimachi). 20 min. walk from the Miimachi stop.
http://www.kourataisya.or.jp

Miyajidake Shrine (宮地嶽神社)

Located in Fukutsu City, Miyajidake Shrine is the head shrine of all Miyajidake shrines in Japan and boasts a history of nearly 1,800 years. The grounds feature several awe-inspiring highlights, including one of Japan’s largest stone chamber tombs, as well as the country’s largest shimenawa (sacred rope), taiko drum, and bell.

Worshipped as the deity of success and good fortune, the shrine attracts approximately 5.5 million visitors annually. It is also renowned for the “Path of Light,” a striking natural phenomenon where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the approach leading to the sea—a view that draws crowds throughout the year.

At midnight on Jan. 1, the giant taiko drum is struck to mark the start of the New Year, its powerful sound echoing across the grounds in a dramatic and uplifting welcome to the year ahead.

New Year opening hours: 24h
New Year Events:
• Dec. 31, 2025 (Wed.)：Oharae, Chinkasai (Fire Prevention Festival), Joyasai 17:00~
• Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu., hol.)：Saitansai 0:00~ *ritual only – closed to public

7-1 Miyaji-motomachi, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka
Access: From JR Fukuma Sta., board a Nishitetsu Bus bound for Ito Tsuyazakibashi, get off at Miyajidake-jinja-mae, or 25 min. on foot from JR Fukuma Sta.
https://www.miyajidake.or.jp/

New Year’s Lucky Charms: A Glimpse into Millennia-Old Shinto Traditions!

Shinto, with its rich history spanning thousands of years, has given rise to a myriad of auspicious practices and items. Here’s an insight into one such cherished tradition:

Omikuji – Divine Fortunes

These slips of paper, believed to carry the words of the gods, reveal individual fortunes. If your omikuji predicts misfortune, there’s a unique remedy: tie it to a pine tree within the shrine’s sacred grounds. This practice stems from a clever play on words in Japanese – “pine” (松, matsu) and “wait” (待つ, matsu). The act symbolizes leaving the bad luck behind, anchored to the pine tree, ensuring it doesn’t accompany you back home.

Hamaya

Decorative arrows, bestowed at shrines and temples as talismans to secure a year’s worth of good fortune, embody a deep-rooted tradition. These arrows, known as “Hamaya,” are not only cherished as symbols of luck but also hold cultural significance. They are customarily given as gifts to mark significant life events such as the construction of a new home or the birth of a child. As a gesture of gratitude and reflection, these arrows are traditionally returned to the respective shrine or temple in the following year, symbolizing the completion of a cycle of blessings and thanksgiving.

Ema

Ema, or wooden wish plaques, are a deeply symbolic tradition in Japanese shrines and temples. These plaques serve as a canvas for people to inscribe their aspirations or prayers. Rooted in the ancient practice of dedicating horses to the gods—horses being revered as sacred ‘vehicles of the gods’—this ritual has evolved. Instead of real horses, beautifully illustrated horse images on wooden plaques are now offered. Devotees purchase these ema at shrines, inscribing them with their heartfelt wishes or notes of gratitude for blessings received, and then hang them in the shrine as a reverent gesture to the deities.

Omamori

These amulets, rooted in ancient Japanese traditions and consecrated at shrines and temples, are worn as talismans to repel misfortune and attract blessings and protection. Their variety is as diverse as the pantheon of deities and Buddhas enshrined in these sacred places, with each type of amulet tailored to specific desires and needs. Whether it’s for forging connections, achieving academic success, or other personal aspirations, these amulets embody the spiritual essence and protective power of the divine, catering to the unique wishes of individuals seeking their aid.

OSHOGATSU TIP! The Right Way to Pray at a Shrine

It looks easy, but there is proper protocol. Practice these steps and pray like a pro!

1. お清め Okiyome (Preparation)
Approach the shrine’s torii gate with respect, beginning with a bow. Remember to walk on the left side, as it’s believed the gods traverse the center path. Make your way to the temizuya, or stone basin, and take a hishaku (ladle) in your right hand, filling it with water. Begin the purification ritual by pouring water over your left hand, then switch hands to cleanse your right hand. Next, pour water into your left palm, and use it to rinse your mouth discreetly. After rinsing, wash your left hand again. To conclude, pour the remaining water down the handle of the ladle to cleanse it for the next person. Place the ladle back, facing down, and then proceed towards the shrine, continuing your spiritual visit.

2. 二拝 Nihai (Two bows)
Toss a coin into the saisen bako (wooden box) to resolve yourself of sins, ring the bell if there is one and bow deeply twice.

3. 二拍手 Nihakushu (Two claps)
Clap your hands together twice, your right hand slightly lower so the fingers reach the top joints of your left hand. Eyes shut and head bowed, express a silent prayer of thanks to the gods for last year’s fortunes.

4. 一拝 Ippai (One bow)
Bow respectfully once more. After leaving through the torii, turn back to the shrine and bow one final time.

>> View the Hatsumode in Fukuoka Map on this larger map

Originally published in Dec. 2016, updated Dec. 2025.
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NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us.