Hatsumode is the first visit to a Shinto shrine of the year, celebrated on New Year’s Day, or over the following three days. People express their gratitude to the gods for the previous year, and pray for health, happiness, business prosperity, romance and so on in the coming year.
One of the most popular Hatsumode spots is Atsuta Shrine. Japan’s second most revered Shinto shrine dates back over 2,000 years, and is dedicated to the Five Great Gods of Atsuta. Atsuta is home to the Sacred Kusunagi no Tsurugi sword, one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan.
Toyokawa Inari is both a Buddhist temple and a Shinto shrine, dedicated to the gods of fertility, rice and agriculture, industry, worldly success, and of foxes. Located in Toyokawa City, 50 kilometers south east of Nagoya, Toyokawa Inari is one of the Big Three Inari Shrines. Those seeking luck in their business endeavors visit this shrine to pray for success.
Located in Inazawa, the former provincial capital of Owari (Aichi) the ancient Okunitama Jinja, better known as the Konomiya Shrine, dates back over 1,300 years and features unique shrine architecture. Konomiya is a popular Hatsumode spot in north-western Aichi.
Founded in 540, nationally famous Tsushima Jinja is the head of a 3,000 shrine network, and is seen as most auspicious. The shrine features rare, complex Owari-Zukuri style architecture particular to Aichi.
