Iseyama Kotai-jingu: The Ise of Kanto

For the most up-to-date details, check Japan National Tourism Organization before you go.

Getting to this sacred site is easy if you take a short walk from the nearby Sakuragicho Station. You will find many food stalls lining the entrance path during the busy first shrine visit in Yokohama Japan for 2026. These stalls sell traditional snacks like yakisoba and sweet amazake to keep visitors warm in the cold weather. Expect to wait in long lines if you choose to visit during the first few hours of midnight.

The shrine grounds feature beautiful wooden architecture that looks stunning against the crisp winter sky of early January. You can purchase special wooden plaques called ema to write down your personal wishes for the upcoming year. Many people also buy omikuji paper fortunes to see what kind of luck 2026 has in store. Please remember to dress warmly because the hilltop location can feel quite windy during the winter nights.

Entry to the shrine grounds is free for everyone, but you should bring small coins for your offerings. Most people use five-yen coins because the Japanese word for five yen sounds like the word for connection. This small gesture represents a wish for good connections with the gods during the next twelve months. The shrine is open 24 hours during the peak Hatsumode period starting from New Year's Eve.

Yokohama Naritasan: Spiritual Fire Rituals

Yokohama Naritasan is a famous Buddhist temple located just a short distance away from the Iseyama Kotai-jingu shrine. It is a branch of the Great Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and is dedicated to the deity Fudo Myoo. The temple is famous for its powerful Goma fire rituals which take place several times each day. These rituals involve burning cedar sticks to purify the spirits of the visitors and grant their prayers.

Watching the monks perform the fire ceremony is a truly mesmerizing experience for both locals and international tourists. The sound of the large taiko drums creates a powerful atmosphere that fills the entire main temple hall. You can participate by offering your own prayer sticks to be placed into the sacred temple fire. This temple is a great choice if you prefer a Buddhist ceremony over a Shinto shrine visit.

The temple area becomes very crowded during the first week of January as thousands of people seek protection. You can find unique protective amulets called omamori that are specifically designed to keep your family safe in 2026. Many people also visit this site to pray for safety while driving their cars during the new year. The surrounding streets are filled with small shops selling traditional Japanese sweets and hot seasonal drinks.

• Goma fire rituals occur every few hours during the first three days of the new year.
• The temple is located in the Nishi Ward and is easily accessible via the Blue Line.
• Visitors can receive a special red ink stamp called a goshuin to commemorate their spiritual visit.

Gumyoji Temple: Yokohama's Oldest Sacred Site

Gumyoji Temple holds the distinction of being the oldest Buddhist temple located within the city limits of Yokohama. It was founded over a thousand years ago and remains a central part of the local community today. The temple is famous for its wooden statue of the Eleven-headed Kannon, which is a national cultural property. Visiting this site for Hatsumode provides a very traditional and local feel compared to larger shrines.

The approach to the temple takes you through the lively Gumyoji Shotengai, which is a classic covered shopping street. During the New Year period, the shop owners decorate the street with festive banners and traditional Japanese ornaments. You can find excellent local deals on best Yokohama New Year's Day sunrise viewing spots nearby. Walking through the shopping arcade is a great way to experience the daily life of Yokohama residents.

The temple grounds are smaller than Iseyama, which creates a more intimate and cozy atmosphere for your prayers. Many families choose Gumyoji because the flat terrain makes it easier for elderly relatives and small children to walk. You can enjoy a cup of hot tea while watching the local community celebrate the start of 2026. The temple is located right next to the Gumyoji Station on the Keikyu and Blue Lines.

Practical Tips for Hatsumode 2026

Planning your visit to the best shrines for Hatsumode in Yokohama Japan 2026 requires some basic preparation. The peak hours are usually from midnight on January 1st until about 3:00 AM in the early morning. If you want to avoid the largest crowds, try visiting early in the morning on January 2nd or 3rd. Most shrines and temples will remain very busy throughout the entire first week of the new year.

Weather in Yokohama during early January is typically very cold, with temperatures often dropping below five degrees Celsius. You should wear several layers of clothing and use heat packs called kairo to stay warm while waiting. Check the official Yokohama public transport schedule on New Year's Eve before you leave your hotel. Trains often run throughout the night, but the frequency of service is much lower than during the day.

When you reach the front of the prayer line, remember the basic etiquette for Shinto shrine visits in Japan. You should bow twice, clap your hands twice, and then bow one final time after making your prayer. At Buddhist temples, you simply place your hands together in silence without clapping to show your deep respect. Always be mindful of the people behind you and keep your prayer time brief during the busy periods.

For more official information about local events, you can visit the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau website for updates. They provide detailed maps and event schedules for all major tourist locations throughout the city of Yokohama. Make sure to carry enough cash, as many small food stalls and charm shops do not accept credit cards. Enjoy the unique spiritual energy that only a Japanese New Year can provide to visitors.