#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Culture #Traditional Events #Yasukuni

Welcome the New Year at Yasukuni Shrine

As we approach New Year 2024, Yasukuni Shrine, located in Kudanshita, Tokyo, is readying itself for a joyful and solemn celebration. This historic shrine offers various experiences for visitors, from traditional Shinto rituals to unique New Year’s offerings that cannot be missed.

Visiting Hours for New Year’s Celebrations

Yasukuni Shrine will welcome guests during the New Year’s period with the following schedule:

• - December 31, 2023: 11:30 PM to 6:00 PM on January 1, 2024
• - January 2-3, 2024: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• - From January 4, 2024: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation to reach the shrine and participate in New Year’s rituals, which include official worship and various prayers for safety and prosperity.

Formal Worship and Prayers

At Yasukuni Shrine, the formal worship service is open to everyone. Visitors can partake in the special New Year’s visit (Hatsumode) as well as request prayers for household safety, warding off evil, and other significant wishes such as success or national peace. To express your wishes, simply approach the reception area at the assembly hall.

New Year’s Offering Fees:

• - Hatsumode Formal Worship: Starting at ¥5,000
• - Prayers for family safety, warding off evil, exam success, etc.: Starting at ¥5,000
• - Group prayers: Starting at ¥30,000

Reception Hours:

• - January 1: Midnight to 4:30 PM
• - January 2-3: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• - From January 4: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Special Exhibitions at Yushukan

From January 1 to 11, Yushukan, the museum associated with the shrine, will host a special exhibition titled “New Year’s Sword Exhibit.” This event is free to enter and features modern swordsmiths showcasing their exquisite creations. Visitors will also have the chance to watch live demonstrations by skilled artisans. Don’t miss out on experiencing the artistry of Japanese swords up close.

Exhibition Hours:

• - January 1-11: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
• - Special early opening on January 1 at 8:00 AM.

New Year Offerings

The shrine offers a variety of New Year items, including good luck charms and protective arrows. Among these, wooden figurines representing the twelve zodiac signs and auspicious clay bells are particularly popular. Visitors can collect these items from the shrine’s designated location.

• - Wooden Zodiac Figurine: ¥2,000
• - Lucky Clay Bell: ¥1,000

Special New Year Stamp Offer

Each year, Yasukuni Shrine provides a limited amount of beautifully decorated New Year stamps, which can be collected at the stamp office in the assembly hall. Be sure to come early as these are available in limited quantities.

Various New Year Events

Throughout the New Year’s period, a range of traditional events will take place at Yasukuni Shrine. Visitors can soak in the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect opportunity to start the year on a positive note.

New Year Archery Ceremony

The New Year Archery ceremony, conducted by the Ogawa School, will be held in a traditional manner on January 3 at 10:00 AM in front of the Noh Theater.

Traditional Performances

Enjoy daily performances of traditional Japanese arts, which will be held until January 4. More details regarding the schedule and performances can be found on the official website.

Exhibition of Ema (Votive Tablets)

From across about 300 shrines nationwide, votive tablets will be displayed until January 31. Various designs celebrated as omens of good fortune will be featured prominently.

Exhibition of Sake Labels

An exhibition of Sake labels from different breweries has been organized and will run until January 31. Since 1959, the Katsuto Association has provided sacred sake to the shrine, alongside offerings from various sake producers across Japan.

Ikebana Flower Arrangement Exhibition

A special exhibition featuring traditional Ikebana flower arrangements will be on display until January 8, presented by representatives of various Ikebana schools.

New Year’s Lucky Draw

For visitors who worship at the main shrine or spend ¥2,000 or more at designated shops, a chance to participate in a lucky draw is available. Don’t miss the opportunity to possibly win a prize!

• - Draw Dates: January 1 from 12:00 AM to 4:30 PM, January 2-3 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Free Sake and Sweet Rice Wine

From January 1 to 4, free sacred sake and non-alcoholic sweet rice wine (amazake) will be served. Join us for a warm drink as a part of your celebratory experience.

• - Service Hours: 9:00 AM to around 4:00 PM
• - Locations: In front of the shrine gate (sake) and in front of the main building of Yushukan (amazake).

As you celebrate the New Year, make sure to visit Yasukuni Shrine and immerse yourself in the rich traditions that characterize this beautiful season.