In short: within the new-year period, or by the end of January
Hatsumode is usually made within the new-year period (January 7 in Kanto and most areas, or 15 in parts of Kansai). If that is not possible, visiting within January (or by the start of spring / setsubun) still counts as hatsumode.
There is no strict deadline. Hatsumode simply means the year's first visit. The first three days (January 1-3) are the busiest, but more people now deliberately shift their visit to avoid the crowds.
Avoiding the crowds
Famous shrines and temples are packed on the first three days, especially New Year's Day. For an unhurried visit, aim for these times:
| Timing | Crowd level |
|---|---|
| New Year's Eve to early Jan 1 (0-2 am) | The turn of the year is very crowded; calmer after 2 am |
| Early morning of Jan 1 (5-7 am) | Relatively quiet after the first sunrise |
| Mornings of the first three days | Quieter than midday to evening |
| Weekdays from January 4 | Much quieter; still hatsumode within the new-year period |
Patterns vary by shrine size and location. Dress warmly and wear easy-walking shoes.
Etiquette: from the torii to the bow
- Bow at the torii: a small bow before passing through. Walk to the side, as the centre of the path (seichu) is the deity's way
- Purify at the temizu: with one scoop of water - rinse the left hand, then the right, then rinse the mouth from the left hand, then stand the ladle to rinse its handle, all from that single scoop
- Offer coins quietly: place them in, do not throw. There is no set amount (the "5 yen = good ties" pun is just wordplay)
- Ring the bell: if there is one, ring it to announce yourself to the deity
- Two bows, two claps, one bow: bow deeply twice, clap twice, join hands to pray, then one final deep bow. This is the basic shrine etiquette
At a temple you do not clap (hands together only). Shrine and temple etiquette differ - take note.
If you would also like a goshuin, pay your respects first and go to the office afterwards. How to ask and what to offer are set out in how to use a goshuin book (Goshuin Book Guide).
Omikuji, charms, and returning old ones
- Omikuji: reading the lesson written on it matters more than the fortune. Take it home or tie it at the designated spot - either is fine
- Charms and ofuda: worn or enshrined for a year, then renewed the next year
- Returning old charms: retired charms, ofuda and New Year decorations are returned to the shrine (or a dondo-yaki) with thanks. A different shrine's old-charm box is also acceptable
The timing for taking New Year decorations to a dondo-yaki is in New Year Decorations: When to Put Up & Take Down.
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Frequently asked questions
How late can hatsumode be made?
Within the new-year period (January 7 in most areas, 15 in parts of Kansai) is the guideline. If that is not possible, a visit within January still counts.
What is the correct way to worship?
At a shrine, two bows, two claps, one bow: bow twice, clap twice while praying, then one more bow. At a temple you do not clap - hands together only.
How much should the offering be?
There is no set amount. Puns like "5 yen = good ties" are just wordplay; it is the thought that counts. Place the coins gently rather than throwing them.
When should I go to avoid crowds?
After 2 am on January 1, early morning, or weekdays from January 4. Visiting within the new-year period is enough, so there is no need to insist on the first three days.
What do I do with old charms?
Return them with a year's gratitude to the shrine you received them from, or to an old-charm box. You can also hand them in with decorations at a shrine dondo-yaki.