5 temples and shrines Japanese people often visit on New Year's Day

Visiting temples and shrines on New Year's Day is an important tradition for the Japanese.

New Year's Day, called "shogatsu" in Japanese, is an important and traditional occasion in Japanese culture. On this day, many Japanese people often visit shrines and temples to pray for good luck and success. Here are 5 famous shrines and temples that Japanese people often visit on New Year's Day:

1. Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

Meiji Shrine was built in the 20th century and completed in 1920. The shrine is a place for Japanese people to remember and honor Emperor Meiji, who made great contributions to making Japan a modern nation.

Meiji Shrine is a very large shrine located in Yoyogi Park, creating a quiet space amidst the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

On New Year's Day, thousands of people visit temples to pray for joy and success in the new year.

2. Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

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Sensoji Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Tokyo, Japan. Built in the 7th century, Sensoji Temple is an important cultural and religious destination, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world . People often come here to pray for luck, health and success in the new year.

According to legend, a wooden fountain was found in the Sumida River, and the people built a temple in honor of Kannon, the goddess of mercy who is said to protect Tokyo. The temple has undergone many restorations and renovations after wars and natural disasters.

3. Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto

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Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples and tourist attractions in Kyoto. Located on a high hill in the Higashiyama area, Kiyomizu Temple was built in the 8th century and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.

Kiyomizu Temple is famous for its unique architecture and its location on a system of wooden stilts. The main highlight of the temple is the Kiyomizu Terrace, a 13m wide platform suspended from sturdy wooden pillars. From the temple, you can also admire the panoramic view of the old town of Higashiyama. This is a popular place to visit during the New Year.

4. Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko

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Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built in 1617 during the Tokugawa dynasty. It was built as a shrine to honor Tokugawa, who established the Tokugawa Shogunate, Japan's last monarchy in the late 16th century. Construction of the shrine lasted for many years and was completed in 1636.

On New Year's Day, many people come here to pray for luck, peace and success in the new year.

5. Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto

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Yasaka Shrine, also known as Yasaka Kōshin-dō Shrine, is a shrine located in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, Japan. Yasaka Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, attracting many tourists and locals.

Yasaka Shrine was built in the 7th century and was originally named Gion Shrine, in reference to the famous Gion area in Kyoto. The shrine has undergone many expansions and renovations in the past, but has maintained its importance and traditional style.

These five shrines all hold important cultural and religious significance in Japanese history. New Year's Day is a popular time for Japanese people to pay their respects and pray for a good year at these shrines.

(According to 24h, December 30, 2023)

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