Hatsumode and Osaisen: Japan's Beloved New Year Traditions
Introduction: What is Hatsumode?
Hatsumode (初詣) is the Japanese tradition of making the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year. With over 90 million people participating annually, it ranks among the world's largest religious gatherings, surpassing even the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in terms of participant numbers.
During Hatsumode, Japanese people express gratitude for the past year and pray for blessings in the new one—health, family safety, business prosperity, and personal wishes. For many Japanese, this ritual marks the true beginning of their new year.
The History and Origins of Hatsumode
From "Toshigomori" to Modern Traditions
The origins of Hatsumode trace back to the Heian period (794-1185) through a practice called "Toshigomori" (年籠り), meaning "year seclusion." In ancient times, the head of each household would spend the night from New Year's Eve until New Year's morning at the local shrine, praying throughout the night for a bountiful harvest and family prosperity.
This practice eventually split into two separate rituals: "Joya-mode" (New Year's Eve worship) and "Gantan-mode" (New Year's Day worship). Modern Hatsumode evolved primarily from the latter tradition.
The Role of Railways in Shaping Modern Hatsumode
During the Edo period (1603-1868), people practiced "Eho-mairi" (恵方参り)—visiting shrines in the year's auspicious direction called "eho." However, the Meiji era (1868-1912) brought dramatic changes with the expansion of railway networks.
Railway companies aggressively promoted visits to famous shrines and temples along their lines, regardless of direction. This marketing transformed Hatsumode from a direction-based practice into the modern custom of visiting popular shrines and temples. The Hatsumode we know today was essentially shaped during this period of railway expansion.
Understanding Osaisen: Monetary Offerings
What is Osaisen?
Osaisen (お賽銭) refers to the monetary offering made to gods or Buddha when visiting shrines and temples. The character "賽" (sai) means "thanksgiving visit to a deity," indicating that osaisen was originally meant as gratitude for answered prayers.
In ancient times, people offered rice, cloth, or produce from sea and mountain rather than money. The shift to monetary offerings began during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Interestingly, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture is credited with installing Japan's first official offering box.
Different Meanings at Shrines and Temples
Remarkably, osaisen carries slightly different meanings at Shinto shrines versus Buddhist temples.
At shrines, osaisen represents gratitude and thanks to the kami (gods) for daily blessings. At temples, however, offerings are considered "ofuse" (alms)—a form of Buddhist training in releasing attachment and worldly desires.
Both traditions share the belief that making offerings purifies the giver and removes spiritual impurities. The word "jozai" (浄財) often inscribed on offering boxes means "pure donation given without expectation of return."
Lucky and Unlucky Offering Amounts
The Power of Japanese Wordplay
Japanese culture places great importance on "goroawase"—wordplay based on the sounds of numbers. The most popular offering amount is 5 yen, because "go-en" sounds exactly like "ご縁" (goen), meaning "good fortune" or "blessed connection."
Lucky amounts and their meanings:
- 5 yen - "May I have good fortune" (go-en = blessed connection)
- 11 yen - "May I have a good connection" (ii-en)
- 15 yen - "May I have sufficient good fortune" (jūbun na go-en)
- 20 yen (four 5-yen coins) - "May I have double good fortune"
- 25 yen - "May I have double good fortune" (nijū-go-en)
- 35 yen - "May I have repeated good fortune" (saisan go-en)
- 41 yen - "May I always have good connections" (shijū ii-en)
- 45 yen - "May I always have good fortune" (shijū go-en)
- 10,000 yen - "Man-en" sounds like "enman" (円満), meaning "harmony" or "completeness"
Amounts to Avoid
Some amounts are considered unlucky due to negative wordplay:
- 10 yen - "Tō-en" sounds like "distant connection"—pushing luck away
- 500 yen - Interpreted as "no bigger fortune than this"
- 65 yen - "Roku na go-en ga nai" (no decent fortune)
- 75 yen - "Nan no go-en mo nai" (no fortune at all)
- 85 yen - "Yappari go-en ga nai" (still no fortune)
However, these are folk beliefs based on wordplay, not religious doctrine. Most importantly, the sincerity of your prayer matters far more than the amount offered.
Regional Variations
Research by Sony Life Insurance revealed fascinating regional differences in average offering amounts. Aichi Prefecture leads with an average of 694 yen, followed by Miyazaki (615 yen) and Hiroshima (567 yen). Meanwhile, Yamagata Prefecture averages just 91 yen, Gunma 105 yen—well below the national average of 286 yen.
Proper Worship Etiquette
At Shinto Shrines: Ni-rei Ni-hakushu Ichi-rei
The standard worship protocol at shrines is called "ni-rei ni-hakushu ichi-rei" (二礼二拍手一礼)—"two bows, two claps, one bow."
- Enter through the torii gate - Walk along the sides, not the center (reserved for gods). Bow slightly before entering.
- Walk along the approach - Avoid the center path.
- Purify at the temizuya (water pavilion) - Using the ladle, rinse left hand, right hand, mouth (into left hand), left hand again, then the ladle handle.
- Make your offering - Place coins gently, never throw them.
- Ring the bell - This announces your presence to the deity.
- Perform the ritual:
- Bow deeply twice
- Clap twice at chest height
- With hands together, make your prayer
- Bow deeply once more
Exceptions at Certain Shrines
Some major shrines have different protocols. Izumo Taisha, Usa Jingu, and Yahiko Shrine use "two bows, four claps, one bow." At Ise Jingu, priests perform an elaborate "hachi-do-hai ya-hirade" (eight bows, eight claps), though regular visitors follow the standard two-two-one pattern.
At Buddhist Temples
Temple etiquette differs notably—no clapping. The basic form is "gassho ichi-rei" (合掌一礼)—hands pressed together with one bow.
- Purify hands and mouth
- If incense is available, waft the smoke over yourself
- Make your offering and bow
- Ring the waniguchi (temple bell) if present
- Press palms together in prayer
- Bow once to conclude
Hatsumode Activities
Omamori and Ofuda
Visitors typically receive new protective charms (omamori) and sacred tablets (ofuda) during Hatsumode, while returning the previous year's items for ritual burning (otakiage). Ideally, you should return items to the shrine or temple where you received them, though most places accept items from elsewhere.
Omikuji Fortune Slips
Drawing omikuji (fortune-telling paper slips) adds excitement to Hatsumode. Results range from "dai-kichi" (great blessing) to "dai-kyo" (great curse). You may tie your slip at a designated spot in the grounds or keep it as a personal talisman.
Ema Votive Tablets
Writing wishes on wooden ema tablets is another beloved tradition. Common prayers include academic success, romantic fulfillment, health, and career prosperity.
When Should You Go?
While there are no strict deadlines, general guidelines exist:
- San-ga-nichi (January 1-3) - The busiest period with the most festive atmosphere
- Matsu-no-uchi (through January 7, or 15 in Kansai) - Still considered proper "first visit" timing
- Throughout January - Some accept any January visit as Hatsumode
If you prefer avoiding crowds, visiting after the first three days offers a more peaceful experience. Some regions, particularly in Western Japan, maintain the "sansha-mairi" tradition of visiting three different shrines or temples.
Conclusion: Embracing the New Year Spirit
Hatsumode and osaisen represent the heart of Japanese spiritual culture at the turn of the year. Understanding the auspicious amounts and proper worship etiquette can make your visit more meaningful and authentic.
Yet the most important element transcends formality—it is the genuine gratitude in your heart and hope for the year ahead. The true "offering" is not the amount of money, but the sincerity of spirit with which it is given.
In Japan, these are cherished ways to welcome the new year. But what about your country? Do you have traditions of visiting religious sites or special customs for welcoming good fortune in the new year? We would love to hear how you celebrate the arrival of a new year in your culture!
References
Reactions in Japan
Every year I make sure to bring several 5-yen coins for Hatsumode. My personal rule is to offer 45 yen (meaning 'always connected to good fortune'). I love how Japanese the wordplay tradition feels.
Honestly, I've never really cared about the offering amount. I just put in whatever coins are in my wallet. Isn't what matters most your sincerity?
I was surprised to learn that 'two bows, two claps, one bow' only became widespread since the Heisei era. Apparently many people used to just put their hands together. It's interesting how some 'traditions' are actually quite recent.
This year I went to a small local shrine for Hatsumode. Famous shrines are too crowded to pray peacefully. I think honoring your local guardian deity is the original tradition anyway.
In my region, visiting three shrines is the norm. We visit 3 different shrines during the first three days. Since I've done this since childhood, visiting just one feels incomplete.
I enjoy it more as a New Year's event than for religious meaning. Drawing fortunes, drinking sweet sake, eating at food stalls - it feels like a proper Japanese New Year.
When I tell students in class that Hatsumode started from railway company marketing, they're always surprised. Many traditions actually spread for commercial reasons.
At Meiji Shrine on New Year's Day, it took 3 hours to reach the main hall. But that unique atmosphere and sense of truly welcoming the new year is special. Worth the wait.
It's a great opportunity to teach children proper worship etiquette. How to use the water basin, the two bows-two claps-one bow... they learned it well. Happy to pass on Japanese culture.
The gods don't treat you differently based on offering amounts. What matters is expressing sincere gratitude. The wordplay is just for fun.
Back in my day, we didn't rush to go during the first three days. It's cold, so anytime during matsu-no-uchi was fine. Young people these days seem more enthusiastic about it.
Going to Hatsumode in kimono is my annual pleasure. Kimono and shrine atmosphere match perfectly. This year I wore a purple visiting kimono.
I honestly think it's silly that 10 yen is considered unlucky. Wordplay doesn't determine fate. It's about what's in your heart, not the formalities.
Did the four claps at Izumo Taisha! Learning that different shrines have different customs makes visiting more interesting. Research beforehand is important.
Since moving to the countryside, I go to a small local shrine for Hatsumode. Few visitors, but you can chat with the priest and there's a warm atmosphere.
Got great fortune on my Hatsumode omikuji! Last year was bad luck so this is my revenge. I keep my fortune slips in my wallet instead of tying them.
Living in Japan for 3 years now. When I first went to Hatsumode and learned about the 5-yen wordplay, I was deeply moved. Using puns for good luck really shows the depth of Japanese culture.
As a Taiwanese person, I feel a connection to Hatsumode culture. We also visit temples during Lunar New Year. But choosing offering amounts based on wordplay is such a fun idea!
In the UK we don't have a tradition of visiting religious sites at New Year, so this is fascinating. Over 90 million participants is incredible. Maybe it's similar to Christmas church services?
In Spain we have a tradition of eating 12 grapes at New Year, but nothing like shrine visits. I find it interesting how detailed the worship etiquette is.
In Poland, many people attend Mass on New Year's Day due to Catholic influence, but not on this scale. Japanese religious attitudes are unique - visiting both shrines and temples!
In Australia, New Year is summer so we party at the beach. Waiting in line at cold shrines shows how devoted Japanese people are to their traditions.
As a French person, I'm captivated by the beauty of 'two bows, two claps, one bow.' This aesthetic formality reminds me of tea ceremony traditions.
Korea has similar New Year worship traditions, but choosing offerings based on wordplay seems uniquely Japanese. The idea that 5 yen = 'good fortune' is clever.
In America we make New Year's resolutions, but few visit religious sites specifically to pray. Hatsumode seems to function as both spiritual and social event, which is interesting.
In Germany, watching fireworks is the New Year tradition - barely any religious element. Learning that Hatsumode started from Meiji-era railway marketing is fascinating. How traditions form is really interesting.
In India, we visit temples during Diwali but not really for New Year. The image of Japanese families visiting shrines together for Hatsumode is beautiful.
In Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year brings good luck. Japan's offering wordplay is a similar superstition (in a good way). Humans everywhere love their lucky charms!
I'm Canadian. When I visited Japan, I experienced Hatsumode and was impressed by how orderly everyone queued even in crowds. Drawing omikuji was so fun!
In Italy, eating lentils on New Year's Eve brings money luck. It connects with Japan's 5-yen story. Wishing for luck at New Year is truly universal!
As a Singaporean, we visit temples during Lunar New Year so I really relate to Hatsumode. But going on January 1st feels novel since we celebrate later.