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Shogatsu Hatsumode (Japanese New Year) - Tokyo Hotels .com

The New Year is the most important holiday in Japan, so if you're lucky enough to be in Tokyo during the New Year, you can take part in the festivities of Shogatsu Hatsumode. This is the traditional first visit of the year to a Buddhist temple or a Shinto shrine to pray for good fortune in the coming year. Most restaurants and shops are closed in observance of the holiday, while millions make their yearly pilgrimage. Anyone can participate: After making a money offering and saying a prayer for wealth and happiness, you can get your fortune told by drawing straws for daikichi (very good luck) down to daikyo (very bad luck). Afterward, enjoy traditional New Year food sold at street fairs around the city.

If you're up for braving the crowds, visit Japan's most popular Hatsumode location: Meiji Jingu, the Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. With 4 million visitors every year, it's sure to be the ultimate festive location.

If you prefer a slightly less crowded venue, visit Kawasaki Taisha. Visitors to this shrine make the pilgrimage especially to ensure protection from evil in the coming year. Or, head over to Sensoji Temple: This temple, which dates from 628 A.D, sits on a main strip lined with shops and stalls selling traditional Japanese foods and toys for children.

You can make Hatsumode throughout the first week of the New Year. Other festivities abound to celebrate the holiday, including the Ippan Sanga (New Year Congratulatory Visit) at the Imperial Palace and Dezome-shiki, the Tokyo Metropolitan Fire Brigade Parade.