Top 5 Best Shrines for New Year in Kamakura 2026
Kamakura is a beautiful coastal city located near Tokyo. It is famous for its ancient temples and spiritual history. Many people visit the best shrines for New Year in Kamakura. This traditional first visit of the year is called hatsumode.
You can experience unique Japanese culture during this festive season. The atmosphere in the city is energetic and very welcoming. Planning your Kamakura New Year shrine visits helps you avoid the biggest crowds. Let's explore the top locations for your 2026 trip.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
You can find the latest updates on Kamakura City Official Website.
For the most up-to-date details, check Japan National Tourism Organization before you go.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most popular shrine in Kamakura. It was founded in 1063 by the famous Minamoto family. Millions of people visit here during the first three days of January. It is the heart of the city's New Year celebrations.The main approach to the shrine is called Dankazura. This beautiful path is lined with many cherry trees. During New Year 2026, food stalls will line the nearby streets. You can enjoy local snacks while waiting for your turn to pray.
Be prepared for very large crowds at this specific location. Check the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu crowd guide for the best visiting times. Early morning or late night visits are usually much quieter. The shrine stays open 24 hours on New Year's Day.
Admission to the main shrine grounds is free for all visitors. Expect to spend 1,000 to 3,000 yen on charms or food. The main hall sits at the top of many stone stairs. Wear comfortable walking shoes for your long journey through the grounds.
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
Zeniarai Benzaiten is a unique shrine hidden inside a rock cave. People come here to wash their money in natural spring water. Legend says washing money here will make it double later. This is a popular ritual for a prosperous new year.
You will need to rent a small bamboo basket for your coins. Place your money inside and pour the water over it. Dry your money carefully after the ritual is finished. This shrine is especially busy with business owners in early January.
The walk to this shrine involves a steep uphill climb. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Kamakura Station. The path goes through a cool, dark rock tunnel. This makes the journey feel like a small mountain adventure.
Visit during the daytime to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. The shrine usually closes its gates around 4:30 PM each day. There are no entry fees for this spiritual site. It is one of the best shrines for New Year in Kamakura.
Kamakura-gu Shrine and Rituals
Kamakura-gu is famous for its unique plate-breaking ritual called Kawara-nage. You buy a small clay plate for about 200 yen. You then throw it at a large rock to break it. This act symbolizes casting away your bad luck for 2026.
This shrine was built to honor the brave Prince Morinaga. It features a unique white torii gate at the main entrance. The grounds are peaceful and surrounded by lush green trees. It is a great place for a quiet New Year prayer.
You can also find beautiful lucky charms here in January. The lion-head charms are very popular for health and protection. Many locals visit this shrine to avoid the massive Hachimangu crowds. It offers a more intimate and traditional Japanese experience.
The shrine is located in the eastern part of the city. You can take a bus from Kamakura Station to get there. The ride takes about 10 minutes and costs 200 yen. Walking takes about 25 minutes through charming local neighborhoods.
Sasuke Inari Shrine Fox Statues
Sasuke Inari Shrine is known for its hundreds of red gates. These gates create a stunning tunnel up the hillside. It is dedicated to the gods of success and harvest. Many people visit to pray for career growth this year.
You will see many small white fox statues everywhere. These foxes are believed to be messengers of the gods. The atmosphere here is mystical and very quiet. It feels like a hidden world inside the forest.
This shrine is a short walk from Zeniarai Benzaiten. You can easily visit both locations on the same afternoon. The hiking trails nearby offer great views of the city. It is a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
There is no entrance fee to explore the grounds. Most visitors spend about 30 to 45 minutes here. Be careful on the steps if the weather is wet. You might also want to visit the nearby Hasedera Temple for more views.
Hatsumode Food and Lucky Charms
Food is a major part of the hatsumode experience. You will find many stalls selling hot amazake near shrines. This sweet rice drink helps keep you warm in January. It is often non-alcoholic and very nutritious for travelers.
Try some traditional New Year food like grilled mochi cakes. These sticky rice cakes are a symbol of strength. You can find them with sweet soy or seaweed toppings. They are delicious and very filling snacks for a cold day.
Buying an omikuji paper fortune is another essential tradition. You pay a small fee to draw a random fortune. If the fortune is bad, you tie it to a tree. This leaves the bad luck behind at the shrine.
You should also look for a lucky arrow called a Hamaya. These decorative arrows ward off evil spirits for the year. They are beautiful souvenirs to take back home with you. Most shrines sell them for around 1,000 to 2,000 yen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Kamakura for New Year?
The best time is early morning on January 2nd or 3rd. New Year's Day is extremely crowded at all major sites. Visiting after 5:00 PM can also be quieter. Many shrines stay open late during the first week of January.
How do I get to Kamakura from Tokyo for hatsumode?
Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station. The trip takes about 60 minutes and costs around 950 yen. Check the transport from Tokyo to Kamakura guide for holiday train schedules. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
What should I wear for a New Year shrine visit?
Wear warm layers as you will spend a lot of time outside. Temperatures in January often drop below 5°C (41°F). Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the gravel paths and stairs. Many people wear nice coats or traditional kimonos.
Visiting the best shrines for New Year in Kamakura is a memorable experience. You can enjoy ancient rituals, delicious food, and a festive atmosphere. Remember to bring cash for offerings and lucky charms. Start your 2026 with a spiritual journey to this historic coastal city. We hope you have a wonderful and prosperous New Year in Japan.