Visited Hatsumoude Shrine for the first time this New Year!

Hatsumoude is the first Shinto shrine I visited this 2017.

Many Japanese people visit it on the first, second or third day of the year.

There are a lot of stalls along the pathway going to the shrine for snacks, sweets, toys etc.

These are Daruma dolls. They are regarded as talismans of good luck for Japanese.The eyes of Daruma dolls are intentionally left blank for the purpose of letting the buyer paint an eye as they set a goal or make a wish.

Once the goal is achieved, that’s the time that they can paint the other eye.

How to pray at the Shinto Shrine:

First, ring the big bell at the gate. Second, throw a coin into the box. Third, bow twice. Fourth, clap twice. Fifth, pray. Last, make a final bow.

Omikuji are random fortunes written on strips of paper being sold at Shinto shrines in Japan. 

I draw an Omikuji and I got good results. 

When the prediction is bad, it is a custom to fold up the strip of paper and attach it to a pine tree surrounding the shrines.

When you visit Japan, you should go to the shrines to pray and draw an Omikuji. I hope the tourists will get to experience and enjoy the  Japanese cultures.

Please feel free to write your thoughts in the comments section below.

Thank you. —Have a nice day!

P.S. This article was reviewed and edited by my English tutor. Thank for all your help.