Riding Osaka Metro on New Year's Day, Welcome the New Year with a Fresh Mindset: Visits from December! Recommended Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
From the end of the year to the beginning, the night from December 31 to January 1 is the most special moment around the world.
In Japan, the sun that rises on January 1 is called 'Hatsuhi no De' (first sunrise), and people go to see the moment the sun rises or visit shrines. The start of the new year is a day to refresh your mind.
*From December 30 to January 3, Osaka Metro operates on 'Saturday, Sunday, and holiday schedules.' On December 31, after normal operations end, Osaka Metro will run all night until the first train on January 1, with intervals of 30 minutes (the New Tram interval is about 20 minutes). For details, please check the official Osaka Metro website.
The Custom of Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
At the beginning of the new year, people visit shrines to pray for good fortune throughout the year; this is called 'Hatsumode.' It is said that Sumiyoshi Taisha, the shrine visited by the most people in Osaka, receives 2 million visitors. Hatsumode is largely concentrated on January 1, but there are no strict rules; generally, people visit by January 3. Depending on the shrine, the designated days and specific times for prayers may vary, so it's a good idea to check before deciding where to go.
Hatsumode in the Time of COVID-19: Note 'Decentralized Visits' and 'Saisenbai' (Preemptive Visit)
In 2022, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there seem to be fewer street stalls than usual. Those doing Hatsumode should wear masks and take other preventive measures, avoiding the peak three-day period and making decentralized visits. Additionally, some shrines allow visitors to pray for good luck starting in December with 'Saisenbai' (visiting the shrine within the year to perform the following year's Hatsumode early, praying for good fortune), so it is also recommended to visit within the year. Furthermore, in response to COVID-19, new ways of doing Hatsumode have emerged, such as online worship or sending prayers and amulets by mail.
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Where should you go for Hatsumode?
Originally, people mostly visited nearby shrines, but recently, more people travel to distant shrines that suit their personal needs. Think about your goals or wishes for the new year and visit a shrine that matches those needs.
Now, let's introduce some shrines in Osaka for Hatsumode!
Praying for Love and Good Relationships – 'Tsuyuten Shrine' (Roten Shrine)
'Tsuyuten Shrine' is about a 3-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station, close to the station, and located on a bustling street. This shrine is deeply connected to the story of 'Sonezaki Shinju' (a love suicide) written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon in the Edo period as a ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater). The story regards the love of a man and woman who would sacrifice even their lives for love as 'pure love,' and it is popular even today among women who want to adopt this as a model of love. Since the heroine's name is 'Ohatsu,' this shrine is also called 'Hatsu Tenjin.'
A Must-Visit Shrine for Academic Success – 'Osaka Tenmangu'
'Osaka Tenmangu' is about a 2-minute walk from Minami-Morimachi Station and adjacent to Japan's longest shopping arcade, Tenjinbashi-suji. As the god of learning in Osaka, it is affectionately called 'Tenjin of Tenma' and is beloved. Not only exam takers visit, but since this shrine's deity also blesses family safety and wards off evil, it is an all-around god to whom you can pray for many things. The omamori (amulets) and ema (votive tablets) are also diverse. The 'Tenjin Matsuri' held annually on July 24 and 25 is one of Japan's three major festivals and is very famous.
The most famous summer festival in Osaka – Dream Tenjin Matsuri: Mikoshi, Boats, Fireworks
Praying for Success and Career Achievement – 'Toyokuni Shrine'
'Toyokuni Shrine' is a shrine located inside Osaka Castle Park that enshrines 'Toyotomi Hideyoshi,' who built Osaka Castle. It is conveniently accessible from Tanimachi 4-chome Station or Morinomiya Station. Since Hideyoshi rose from a farmer to a ruler of the nation as a successful person, this shrine is suitable for those ambitious in their career or seeking a job change, isn't it? The omamori designed after Hideyoshi's symbol, the 'Sennari Hyotan' (thousand gourds), are cute and popular for success and money luck improvement.
Praying for Good Health – 'Sukunahikona Shrine' (Sukunahikonajinjya)
'Sukunahikona Shrine' is about a 2-minute walk from Kitahama Station, making it easy to access. It stands in a corner of Doshomachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, a business district where major pharmaceutical companies gather, and is widely known as the god of health and medicine. In addition to prayers for humans, you can also pray for the health of pets who are like family members. Visiting with your pet for Hatsumode is not a bad idea! The zodiac animal for 2022 is the Tiger (Tora). Why not take home a popular 'paper-mache tiger' ornament as a protective charm?
How to Worship
Once you've decided on your destination, remember the procedures for worship! Pray sincerely so that the gods can hear your wishes.
1. Offer an offering money (saisen) with gratitude. If there is a bell, ring it after offering the money.
2. Face the front and straighten your posture.
3. Place your hands near your knees and bow deeply twice. Ideally, bend your body at 90 degrees.
4. Bring your palms together, with the right hand slightly closer to you, and clap twice.
5. Return the right hand that was slightly closer to you, close your eyes gently, and recite your wish in your heart.
6. Bow once more, repeating the motion of step 3.
7. It is very important to pray sincerely following this procedure.
Additionally, there is no rule for the amount of offering money. For favorable homonyms, people often throw in 5 yen (go-en, meaning 'fate'), 11 yen (ii en, meaning 'good fate'), or Japanese coins with holes (5 yen and 50 yen), which symbolize 'a clear future and bright prospects.'
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