Are you in Japan for the New Year period and want to make a wish at a Japanese shrine or temple?
Here are 3 popular “Power Spots” that will give you extra luck for the new year!
Visiting a shrine at midnight on 31st Dec or in the first days of the new year is tradition in Japan, to make a wish for good luck and fortune in the new year.
It is super popular and crowded!
So be prepared with winter coats, hats and scarves as you may need to wait in line for a while.
As you can see in the photo, these shrines and temples become EXTREMELY crowded. I don’t necessarily recommend standing in these long lines if you have a baby or toddler, as it honestly takes a few hours and is very cold. Nevertheless, if you want to visit one of these power spots and see the crowds, here are 3 Power Spots that are popular!
1. Hakone Shrine
The Hakone Shrine is a Japanese Shinto shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi in the town of Hakone in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa Prefecture. It is also known as the Hakone Gongen.
Note that it is recommended to stay overnight in Hakone if you would like to visit this shrine.
It is also a great chance to see Mt Fuji up close!
Hakone Shrine is a Power Spot for the following:
- Happy marriage
- Work life
- Career advancement
- Luck in the heavenly insurance
2. Sensory Temple
Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo!
The “New Year’s Great Prayer Association” will be held from 1-7 Jan and will start with the “Bells of Night Bell” by the Bell Tower, and it will overflow with a huge number of visitors.
It is said to have a benefit for:
- Money luck
- Marriage
- It is said that you can also gain peace from the energy of mercy of Kannon just by being there!
This is the most popular Power Spot to visit in central Tokyo.
3. Mitsumine Shrine
Mitsumine Shrine in Oku-Chichibu is located on top of Mt. Mitsumine, which is 1,102 meters above sea level.
It is surrounded by a quiet forest and has one of the most amazing views. A wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
It is believed that if your power and physical strength is weak, this is a place to give you power!
It is said to be such a strong power spot, that when visiting your spiritual strength and physical strength will rise.
On New Year ‘s Day a lot people visit for the new year’s safety and power.
Mitsumine Shrine is a Power Spot for the following:
- Spiritual strength
- Physical strength
Note that Saitama is a distance from Tokyo, so you will need to prepare a day trip (or overnight trip) to go to this shrine.
If you would like to make a wish for good luck for the new year, but you don’t want to line up for a long period of time, I recommend visiting a smaller shrine or temple with the locals. This is also enjoyable and a nice way to do the traditional “make a wish” with your family in Japan.
Happy New Year!
Photo: Traveliance, Sensoji Temple
