In Japan, the place to be at the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve, and the several days that follow, is a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple. That’s where millions gather for “hatsumode”— the first shrine or temple visit of the new year. People line up to pray for happiness and health in the year ahead, toss small amounts of money in the offering box, and purchase charms. Paper fortunes called “omikuji” are handed out, making predictions for the coming year on all matters, from health to business to travel to love. “Every year, I go to hatsumode at the local temple on the fourth day of January—it’s been our family tradition for over 20 years,” says Tokyo Instagrammer Yoshito Hasaka (@_f7). “While the monk recites the sutra, I close my eyes and pray for many things including my family and my work. This year, I’ll also wish for good things to happen through Instagram.” For more photos and videos welcoming the new year with Japan’s hatsumode tradition, browse the #初詣 hashtag.
Photo by @laurakoyama