Hatsumode which is known as the first visit to a shrine on new year in Sumiyoshi Taisha or Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine. This is one of the most famous shrines in Osaka as it is one of Japan’s oldest shrines founded in the 3rd century before the introduction of Buddhism. It’s the head of approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi Shrines throughout Japan.
Every year, I come here at different timing from the first to the third day of new year. Yet, every time, the shrine is packed with people and food stalls.
This beautiful Morihashi Bridge which creates a uniquely high arch over a pond is crossed by over 2 millions of worshipper every new year especially during the Hatsumode starting from 00:00 of the new year to the third day of the new year.
This is the moment that I crossed the bridge. please watch the whole video as you could see huge crowded of people are behind and in front of me.
There are four main halls at Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Taisha. This is the fourth one standing behind the third. Worshippers threw coins, bank notes and make a wish for their new year.
Worshippers hang there fortune telling peppers around the sacred trees which the trees here in Sumiyoshi Taisha are about over 1,000 years old.
During the new year, all food stores are sell food two to three times more expensive than usual prices!
Behind me is Sorihashi Bridge/Taiko Bridge
Sake Jar
Grilled squid costs ¥1,000 and a can of beer costs ¥600
I came here by car which is not recommended as there are limited parking spaces. We were driving around the shrine for over 30 minutes to find the parking lot. Despite we finally found one, it takes 17 minutes on foot from our car to the shrine. Fortunately, the weather was very good and we did enjoy the walk 🙂
Happy New Year every to you and your family too!