Each Shinto shrine is famous for a deity that specifies in an area of life, so people tend to choose the one that caters to their individual ‘needs’ for the New Year. For example, the Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is dedicated to the God of Business. The Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo that houses the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is a popular venue for traditional Shinto weddings. The Namiyoke Inari Shrine by the shore of Tsukiji, Chuo is a guardian for fishermen and mariners. The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is famed for the God of Studies and draws crowds of students each year. Besides the standard Shinto arched gate entrance, every shrine's compound is also unique, with large tranquil gardens or forests, decorative walls of sake barrels called Kazaridaru, and beautiful religious structures.

There are three main rituals to perform for Hatsumode. The first step is to wash your hands at the basin by the shrine’s entrance. Use the ladle to cleanse both hands, then rinse your mouth as well. After that, wash your left hand once again, leave some water in the ladle, then tilt it upwards and let the water pour from the scoop over the shaft. This is a symbolic ritual to ensure your heart and body is clean before entering the shrine.

Next, proceed to the main hall where the deity or Kami resides. Stand before the large wooden box called Saisenbako with a large bell hanging over it. Grab the rope and ring the bell to wake the deity, toss a coin into the box, bow twice, clap your hands twice, then start your prayers. When you’re done, bow once, and step away from the box.

Purchase an Omikuji fortune slip for whichever subject you wish to divine in your life, be it romance, education, work, finances or health. The Omikuji tells how you will fare this year and is a lucky souvenir for your shrine visit.

Now that you’ve received your blessings, do enjoy some yummy New Year snacks from the vendors! Yakitori skewered goodies, Taiyaki fish-shaped pancakes, strawberry candy, Yakisoba stir-fry noodles, savoury Okonomiyaki pancakes – there’s just too many to name!

Like most New Year customs around the world, Hatsumode is about starting afresh with joy, luck, good wishes and great hope for the coming days. So, if you happen to visit Japan for the New Year, be sure to join this wonderful tradition!