Hatsumode: Hiroshima New Year Traditions 2026

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The Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is the most popular spot for this ritual. It is located right next to the historic Hiroshima Castle grounds. Visitors wait in long lines to offer coins and ring the large bells. You can find the best shrines for Hatsumode across the city center easily.

While at the shrine, be sure to buy a new omamori charm. These small cloth amulets provide protection and luck for the entire year. You should also try drawing an omikuji, which is a paper fortune. If you get a bad fortune, tie it to the shrine fence to leave the luck behind.

The atmosphere at these shrines is festive and full of energy. Food stalls often line the entrance selling warm snacks like takoyaki and yakisoba. Prices for these snacks usually range from 500 to 800 yen. It is a perfect way to experience local life during the holidays.

Joya no Kane: Ringing the Temple Bells

New Year's Eve in Hiroshima features the deep sound of temple bells. This tradition is called Joya no Kane and happens at midnight. Buddhist temples ring their large bronze bells exactly 108 times. This number represents the 108 human desires that cause suffering.

The ringing of the bell helps to purify the soul for 2026. Many people head to the Mitaki-dera Temple ceremony for a spiritual experience. This temple is famous for its three beautiful waterfalls and peaceful forest setting. It offers a quiet escape from the busy city streets.

Some temples allow visitors to take a turn at striking the bell. You may need to arrive early to get a numbered ticket for this. The ceremony usually begins around 11:00 PM on December 31st. It is a cold night, so wear plenty of warm layers.

The sound of the bells echoing through the mountains is very moving. It marks the transition from the old year to the new one. After the bells finish, many people walk to nearby shrines for their first prayer. This creates a continuous flow of celebration throughout the night.

Traditional Food and New Year Feasts

Food plays a central role in celebrating the New Year in Japan. The most famous meal is Osechi Ryori, which consists of many small dishes. Each ingredient has a special meaning, such as health, wealth, or fertility. These colorful meals are served in beautiful lacquered boxes called jubako.

On New Year's Eve, everyone eats Toshikoshi Soba, or year-crossing noodles. The long noodles symbolize a long and healthy life for the family. You can learn where to eat traditional food at many local restaurants. Most places serve these special noodles until late in the evening.

Ozoni is another essential dish served on New Year's morning. It is a savory soup containing mochi rice cakes and local vegetables. In Hiroshima, the broth often features a light soy sauce or dashi base. Some families also include famous Hiroshima oysters in their holiday recipes.

Many restaurants in the city offer special New Year menus for tourists. It is wise to book your table several weeks in advance. Prices for a full Osechi meal can range from 10,000 to 30,000 yen. Tasting these seasonal flavors is a highlight of any winter trip.

Shopping for Lucky Bags in Hiroshima

January 1st and 2nd are the biggest shopping days of the year. Retailers across Hiroshima sell mysterious sealed packages known as Fukubukuro. These lucky bags contain items worth much more than the purchase price. It is a thrilling way to start your shopping in 2026.

Major department stores in the Hondori area attract massive crowds for these sales. You can check the lucky bag sales schedule to plan your route. Popular brands often see customers lining up hours before the doors open. Some people even camp out overnight to get the best bags.

The contents of the bags remain a secret until you open them. You might find clothing, electronics, or even high-end food items inside. Prices for lucky bags usually start around 3,000 yen and go up. It is a fun tradition that combines luck with great bargains.

If you prefer a calmer experience, visit the smaller boutiques later. Many shops continue their winter sales throughout the first week of January. You will still find excellent discounts on winter fashion and home goods. Shopping in Hiroshima during this time is always an exciting adventure.

Celebrating New Year on Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island offers a unique setting for Hiroshima New Year traditions 2026. Itsukushima Shrine is the centerpiece of the island's festive activities. On New Year's Eve, the Chinkasai Fire Festival takes place on the beach. Large torches are carried through the streets to ward off fires.

The island is easily accessible by a short ferry ride from the mainland. You can find more information about Miyajima winter events to help your planning. The sight of the floating torii gate in winter is truly spectacular. It provides a peaceful backdrop for your holiday photos.

Many visitors stay overnight on the island to see the first sunrise. This event is called Hatsuhinode and is considered very lucky in Japan. Mount Misen offers the best vantage point for watching the sun come up. Be prepared for very cold temperatures at the mountain summit.

The shops along the Miyajima Omotesando street stay open late during the holidays. You can enjoy freshly grilled oysters and warm momiji manju cakes. The combination of spiritual rituals and delicious food is unforgettable. It is one of the most magical places in Japan.