Hachiman Asaka: Best Shrines for Hatsumode in Beppu City

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The shrine is famous for its long stone staircase that leads visitors toward the main wooden prayer hall. You should take your time climbing these steps while enjoying the fresh winter air and the surrounding evergreen trees. It is essential to learn the Beppu shrine visiting etiquette before you arrive at this sacred site.

Once you reach the top, look for the famous lucky stone that resides within the shrine grounds for good fortune. Many people touch this stone gently while making a silent wish for success in their personal and professional lives. You can also purchase beautiful protective amulets called omamori to carry with you throughout the rest of the year.

During the New Year period, the shrine grounds feature several small stalls selling traditional snacks and warm ginger tea. This creates a festive community atmosphere where families gather to celebrate the holiday and share their hopes for the future. Admission to the shrine is free, but you should bring small coins for the traditional offering box.

Hachiman Kamado Shrine and Anime Culture

Hachiman Kamado Shrine has become a global destination due to its strong connection to the popular Demon Slayer anime series. Fans believe this location inspired many elements of the show, including the name of the main character, Tanjiro Kamado. This makes it one of the best shrines for Hatsumode in Beppu city for younger travelers and families.

One of the most impressive features of this shrine is the vibrant dragon painting located on the main hall ceiling. The dragon appears to watch you from every corner of the room, which creates a powerful and mystical experience. Visitors often spend several minutes admiring the intricate details and the bold colors used in this traditional artwork.

You will also find a unique stone staircase that was supposedly built by a local demon in a single night. Legend says the demon had to finish the steps before the rooster crowed to prove his strength to the gods. This story adds a layer of local folklore that makes your visit feel even more special during the holidays.

Because of its popularity, you should expect larger crowds during the first week of January in the year 2026. Arriving early in the morning will help you avoid the longest lines and allow for a more peaceful prayer experience. The shrine shop offers exclusive charms that feature dragon motifs which are perfect souvenirs for your Japanese winter trip.

Yusuhara Hachiman-gu for Traditional Grandeur

Yusuhara Hachiman-gu is one of the most significant historical sites in the entire Oita prefecture and the surrounding region. Although it is located on the border of Beppu, it remains a vital part of the local New Year celebrations. This shrine is known for its massive ancient camphor trees that have stood for over one thousand years.

The scale of the Hatsumode celebration here is much larger than at most other local shrines in the Beppu area. You can find a detailed Yusuhara Hachiman-gu festival guide to help plan your visit during the busy holiday season. The entrance is marked by a grand red gate that welcomes thousands of visitors every single year.

The main path is lined with dozens of food stalls selling delicious items like yakisoba, takoyaki, and sweet grilled corn. These stalls provide a wonderful way to experience the lively festival culture that defines a traditional Japanese New Year. Many families spend several hours here eating, praying, and socializing with their neighbors under the winter sun.

Walking through the forest path toward the main sanctuary provides a sense of deep spiritual connection to the natural world. The sounds of traditional music and the smell of burning incense fill the air as you approach the altar. This shrine provides a perfect balance of festive energy and quiet contemplation for your first visit of 2026.

Tsurumi-dake Shrine for High Altitude Blessings

For a truly unique experience, you should visit the small shrine located at the very top of Mount Tsurumi. You can reach the summit easily by taking the Beppu Ropeway, which operates special early morning flights on New Year's Day. This allows you to witness the first sunrise of 2026 from an elevation of over one thousand meters.

Watching the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean is a breathtaking way to begin your year with hope and clarity. You can find more information about where to see first sunrise spots around the city to complete your itinerary. The mountain air is very cold in January, so please remember to wear several warm layers of clothing.

The shrine at the summit is dedicated to the gods of the mountain and provides protection for the local community. It is a humble structure compared to the grand shrines in the valley, but the view is truly unmatched. Many hikers also choose to walk up the mountain trails if the weather conditions remain safe and clear.

After your prayer, you can enjoy a hot cup of amazake, which is a sweet fermented rice drink, at the station. This warm beverage will help you recover from the freezing temperatures while you enjoy the panoramic views of Beppu. This experience combines spiritual tradition with the natural beauty of the Kyushu landscape in a very memorable way.

Beppu New Year Traditions 2026 and Etiquette

Understanding local customs will make your visit to the best shrines for Hatsumode in Beppu city much more enjoyable. You should always bow once before entering through the large torii gate to show respect to the resident spirits. Most shrines provide a water basin where you should wash your hands and mouth before approaching the main hall.

When you reach the offering box, toss a small coin gently and bow twice to the gods before you pray. Clap your hands twice to get the attention of the spirits and then hold your hands together in silence. You can learn more about Beppu New Year traditions 2026 by visiting the official tourism website for the local area.

It is common to see people burning their old amulets from the previous year in a large ceremonial bonfire. This act represents letting go of the past and making space for new blessings to enter your life in 2026. You can also consult the Visit Oita website for additional regional travel tips and seasonal event schedules.

Finally, do not forget to draw an omikuji paper to see what kind of luck the new year holds for you. If you receive a bad fortune, simply tie the paper to a designated branch or wire at the shrine. This traditional act leaves the bad luck behind so you can start your year with a clean and positive spirit.