Atsuta Jingu Shrine: The Most Sacred Spot

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

For practical details and last-minute changes, use City of Nagoya Official Website.

The shrine grounds are open 24 hours during the New Year period. Entry is free for all visitors to the main areas. Expect long queues near the main hall during peak hours. You should plan for at least two hours for your visit. Check the Atsuta Jingu event schedule for specific ritual times.

Many food stalls line the paths during the festival. You can try local snacks like grilled squid or yakisoba. Warm sake and sweet amazake are also available for purchase. These treats help keep you warm in the cold winter air. The smell of charcoal and incense fills the entire forest grounds.

The shrine is easily accessible by train from central Nagoya. Take the Meitetsu Line to Jingu-mae Station for the fastest route. The walk to the main gate takes only three minutes. Many visitors arrive just before midnight on December 31st. This allows them to hear the bells ring in the new year.

Osu Kannon Temple: A Vibrant City Center Visit

Osu Kannon is a vibrant temple in the heart of the city. It is famous for its large red lantern and busy atmosphere. People flock here for good luck in the coming year. The temple is especially popular with younger crowds and families. It offers a mix of traditional prayer and modern city life.

The temple sits next to a large shopping district. This makes it easy to find food and drinks after your prayer. Many shops offer special lucky bags on January 1st. Use our Osu Kannon celebration guide to navigate the area. You can spend a whole afternoon exploring the nearby covered streets.

Visitors often buy protective amulets called Omamori here. You can also draw an Omikuji fortune paper for 100 or 200 yen. If the luck is bad, tie it to the temple wire. This tradition helps leave your bad luck behind at the temple. It is a great way to start 2026 with a fresh mind.

The Osu area is great for trying various street foods. You can find hot dumplings, fried chicken, and sweet beans. These snacks provide much-needed warmth during the cold January nights. It is a perfect place for families to visit together. The bright lights and festive crowds create a wonderful holiday mood.

Yamada Tenmangu: Praying for Success in 2026

Yamada Tenmangu is the place for students and academics. It is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Many people visit to pray for success in 2026 exams. The shrine is smaller than Atsuta Jingu but very charming. It offers a more intimate and local experience for visitors.

You can find the shrine in the northern part of Nagoya. It is a short walk from Ozone Station on the JR Line. Entry to the shrine grounds is free for everyone. It offers a quieter feel than the major city temples. This makes it ideal for those who dislike very large crowds.

This shrine features a unique bronze cow statue. Rubbing the statue is said to bring wisdom and health. You will see many students performing this ritual with great care. It is a key part of the Hatsumode experience here. The shrine also sells beautiful stationery blessed for academic success.

Look for the special 2026 zodiac charms near the entrance. These items make great souvenirs for your trip to Japan. They are usually available at the main counter for a small fee. Prices range from 500 to 1,000 yen each. These charms are believed to protect you throughout the entire year.

Tips for Best Shrines for Hatsumode in Nagoya 2026

Dress warmly for your New Year visit to Nagoya. Winters in the city are quite cold and often windy. Wear several layers to stay comfortable while waiting in line. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking on gravel paths. You may be standing outside for a long time.

Bring small coins for your offerings at the shrines. Five-yen coins are considered very lucky in Japanese culture. They represent "good connections" for your future relationships. Most shrines have large wooden boxes for these donations. Toss your coin gently before you bow and pray.

Public transport is the best way to travel during Hatsumode. Trains often run through the night on New Year's Eve. Check the JR Central website for updated holiday schedules. This helps you avoid heavy traffic and expensive parking fees. Most stations will have extra staff to help tourists.

Be respectful of the local customs during your visit. Bow once before entering the main torii gate. Wash your hands at the purification fountain before you pray. This shows respect to the spirits of the shrine. Following these simple steps will make your experience more meaningful. It also helps you blend in with the local worshippers.