Hatsumairi, the first shrine visit of the New Year, is the most important ritual in Japan's New Year celebrations. Meiji Shrine attracts the highest number of visitors among all Japanese shrines. We guide you through scheduling, avoiding crowds, and proper etiquette.
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Every year from midnight on January 1st, Meiji Shrine welcomes 3 million visitors—Japan's most visited shrine for New Year's prayers.
Below we've organized the schedule, crowd distribution, and proper worship etiquette for first-time visitors experiencing Hatsumaude.
Schedule and Crowd Information
01｜12/31 - 1/1 New Year's Eve/Day｜Queuing from 0:00
Starting at 22:00 on December 31st, queuing begins in front of the torii gate. **After the bell rings at 0:00, it takes 2-4 hours to reach the main hall in the queue**.
Choose this time slot to experience the liveliest atmosphere, though it requires significant physical stamina. We recommend bringing hand warmers and hot beverages.
02｜1/1 Morning｜Avoid Peak Hours
Arrive before 8:00 AM on 1/1 for a **wait of approximately 30-60 minutes**. Peak hours around midday require 2+ hours.
Wear warm clothing and bring water. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to walk through the Meiji Shrine grounds.
03｜1/2-1/3｜Half the Crowds
From the morning of 1/2, crowds noticeably decrease, and **by the afternoon of 1/3, you basically won't need to wait in line**.
New Year's Temple Visit Tradition You can visit anytime between 1/1–1/3. 1/2–1/3 is the best choice for those seeking an authentic experience.
Shrine Etiquette
04｜Temizusha｜Purify hands and mouth before worship
Before entering the main hall, wash your hands at the water basin: Take the ladle with your right hand, pour water over your left hand, switch hands and pour water over your right hand, cup water in your left hand and rinse your mouth (do not swallow), and finally stand the ladle upright to let water rinse the handle.
The process takes about 30 seconds, so there's no need to be nervous.
05｜Main Hall Worship｜Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow
Toss a coin (any amount; ¥5 symbolizes "en" meaning connection) → Ring the bell → **Bow twice, clap twice, make a wish, bow once**.
You can make a wish by silently reciting it in your heart. There's no need to say it out loud.
Hatsumaude (first shrine visit of the year) is the essence of Japanese New Year culture. **For first-time visitors, the morning of January 2nd is recommended**, balancing the festive atmosphere with physical comfort.
From IGO HOTEL, take the Yamanote Line for 9 minutes to Harajuku Station, then walk 5 minutes to the torii gate.
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