Hatsumode (初詣) is a Japanese term used to refer to the first visit to the Shinto shrine on New Year’s. Usually, the Japanese go to a temple on December 31st to participate in the Buddhist ceremony where 108 bells are tolled to celebrate the new year.
And in the first 3 days of one, the first visit to the Temples or Shrines happens to ask that the year be of good luck, health and prosperity, the first day is the main date, but nowadays some characteristic Japanese to go on the 2nd or 3rd to avoid congestion.
The temples or shrines in the cities or neighborhoods where they live receive visitors all day during the first three days of the year. But the famous temples and shrines of Japan such as Meiji (Tokyo), Fushimi Inari (Kyoto), Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka) and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Kanagawa), receive not many visitors but millions of visitors during the first three days of the year.
The main purpose of the visit is to pray wishing you prosperity, security and good health (or anything else you hope for) for the year ahead.
The Japanese throw a coin in the offering box, the coin is an offering to the Gods and this custom is very important for those who follow Shinto beliefs, after tossing the coin they make a short prayer.
On the day, various types of talismans are also sold to bring good luck, known as Omamori, Daruma and Maneki Neko.
