The first visit to the shrine or temple in the new year is called Hatsumode, and it attracts quite some crowds every year, and I think it is a great way to start a new year in Japanese-style. Fireworks are the standard celebrations in many cities in the world, but in Japan it is mostly a cultural setting at a temple like the one in Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, where the year begins with offering prayers for a prosperous year ahead. Warm crowds in the cold night of December 31, this is a unique experience to spend the early morning time of the new year.
And don't forget your etiquette!
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Find out more about Sensoji Temple.
Manish Prabhune @manish.prabhune
Travelling to various places and locations in Japan for over 20 years now, I want to share my experiences and also hear about destinations that I still have not been to in the land of the rising sun. Am a photography enthusiast and love to do slow shutter blue hour photography in Tokyo.
