Start the Year at Aso Shrine

投稿日: 2026.01.08 作成者: oliver

The New Year (Oshogatsu) is one of the most important and meaningful times of the year in Japan. It marks a fresh beginning, a moment to reflect on the past year, express gratitude, and welcome good fortune for the year ahead.

At the start of the year, many people take part in Hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year. Visiting a shrine is a way to pray for health, happiness, safety, and success, while also purifying the mind and spirit. Families and friends often go together, creating a warm and hopeful atmosphere.

While I have experienced many New Years in Japan and have lived in Aso for the past three years, this was my first time visiting Aso Shrine during this special period.

In previous years, I chose to stay away, mainly due to the shrine’s popularity and the large crowds it attracts. Instead, I would visit smaller, lesser-known shrines to offer my New Year prayers in a quieter setting.

This year, however, felt different. Despite the many visitors, I decided it was time to experience Aso’s most iconic shrine and take part in the New Year atmosphere firsthand.

As expected, the shrine drew large crowds, and a long queue of worshippers extended all the way to the parking lot, each patiently waiting to pay their New Year respects.

After about 45 minutes, I was finally able to offer my prayers—expressing gratitude for the past year and making my wishes for 2026. This was followed by renewing my driving safety talismans (omamori) from the previous year and drawing an (omikuji) to see what fortune the new year might bring.

This year brought a special moment of good fortune. After 22 years of living in Japan, I finally received (daikichi), the highest possible good fortune, for the very first time.

Despite the crowds, I would highly recommend visiting Aso Shrine during this period, even if just once. I also heard that visiting later at night is much less crowded, making it easier to access and enjoy at a more relaxed pace.

I wish you all a very happy New Year and 2026 brings you a lot of success and happiness.

Oliver

カテゴリー: English Blog, Recommendations/Activities   タグ: , , , , ,   この投稿のパーマリンク

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