Enjoy Japan's tradition of visiting shrines at the beginning of the new year

At the beginning of the New Year, experience Japan's traditional culture through the "first shrine visit" or "Hatsumōde."
From Tokyo, there are many charming shrines you can easily reach by train or bus.

This article introduces five especially popular hatsumōde spots where you can also enjoy history and scenery.

Combine your visit with nearby sightseeing and food for an even fulfilling trip.
For getting around, "Japan Transit Guide powered by Ekispert" quickly shows the best route so you can head out with confidence.

Here are 5 easily accessible shrines to visit for New Year's from Tokyo

1. Meiji Shrine｜Just a short walk from Harajuku, experience a quiet first shrine visit in the heart of the city

Surrounded by a deep forest that feels far from the city center, Meiji Jingu is one of Tokyo’s premier hatsumōde destinations.
Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, it welcomes large crowds every year.

The spacious grounds are filled with a clear, refreshing atmosphere and are perfect for strolling. Access to Harajuku and Omotesando is convenient, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.
There is plenty of English information, so it’s friendly for visitors.

Official Website
https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/

Nearest Station

• Harajuku Station（JR-Yamanote-Line）
• Meiji-Jingu-Mae Station（Tokyo-Metro-Chiyoda-Line、Tokyo-Metro-Fukutoshin-Line）
• Sangubashi Station（Odakyu-Odawara-Line）
• Yoyogi Station（JR-Yamanote-Line、JR-Sobu-Line、Toei-Subway-Oedo-Line）
• Kita-Sando Station（Tokyo-Metro-Fukutoshin-Line）

2. Asakusa Shrine｜Enjoy New Year's visits to Asakusa alongside Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street

Located in the Asakusa area, rich with old-town charm, this shrine is affectionately known as the “Three Shrines.”
Situated next to Sensoji Temple, its vibrant approach path bustles during the New Year's first visit season.
Historic buildings and cultural assets are must‑sees, and strolling around nearby sights such as Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street is great fun.

Official Website
https://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/index.html

Nearest Station

• Asakusa Station（Tokyo-Metro-Ginza-Line、Toei-Subway-Asakusa-Line、Tobu-Skytree-Line）

3. Hakone Jinja Shrine｜A power spot surrounded by the great nature of Lake Ashi and the mountains

With its iconic torii gate standing on the shore of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is a renowned power spot.
Surrounded by mountains and water, it offers a purifying visit in rich natural surroundings.

The area is also packed with hot springs and museums, making it easy to enjoy Hakone sightseeing along with hatsumōde.

Official Website（Available only in Japanese）
https://hakonejinja.or.jp/

Nearest Bus stop

• Motohakone（Izu-Hakone-Bus）
• Motohakone-Ko（Hakone-Tozan-Bus）

4. Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple｜Famous for warding off misfortune, with excellent access from Tokyo and Yokohama

This celebrated temple is widely known across Japan for driving away bad luck, and it welcomes many visitors every year.

Historic buildings line its spacious grounds, and the lively approach features Nakamise shops and the temple’s famous candy stores—perfect for experiencing Japan’s New Year atmosphere.

Official Website
https://www.kawasakidaishi.com/english/

Nearest Station

• Kawasaki-Daishi Station（Keikyu-Daishi-Line）

5. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu｜A hatsumōde spot to enjoy Kamakura’s history and scenery

This shrine symbolizes Kamakura, the city associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo, and is also famous as a popular spot for New Year's visits.
The dignified pathway, featuring the Dan-kudari steps and large stone stairs, offers panoramic views of Kamakura city.

Temples and the historic streets of the old capital spread out nearby, making it ideal for sightseeing strolls along with your New Year visit.

Official Website
https://www.hachimangu.or.jp/en/

Nearest Station

• Kamakura Station（JR Yokosuka-Line、JR-Shonan-Shinjuku-Line）
• Kamakura Station（Enoshima-Railway）

Getting around for New Year's shrine visit is easy with Japan Transit Guide powered by Ekispert

Tokyo offers a variety of New Year's shrine visit spots packed with diverse charms, from history and nature to city strolls.
Why not start the year by centering yourself and setting out on a journey to experience Japanese culture?

To enjoy your New Year visit with peace of mind, use "Japan Transit Guide powered by Ekispert."
This convenient service makes it easy to search train and bus routes in Japan.

Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, and it instantly displays the optimal route, travel time, and transfer information.
It also supports English, making it easy for international visitors to use with confidence.
It’s helpful for planning a smooth hatsumōde travel and getting to nearby sightseeing spots as well.

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We hope you enjoy your trip to Japan using the country’s famously punctual public transportation!

※Station and line names in English within the article follow the notation used on “Japan Transit Guide Powered by Ekispert”.

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