Title: “Hatsumoude” (New Year’s visit to a shrine or a temple to pray for good fortune and warding off evil spirits.)

Date: The first three days of the New Year (January 1 to 3) are considered the most appropriate time for New Year’s visit and the number of the visitors is higher than any other time of the year.

Venue: Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple

Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple is recognized as one of the most famous temples in Japan, receiving 3 million visitors during the first three days of the New Year. New Year visits to shrines and temples represent one of customary traditions among the Japanese people. Both men and women pay such a visit to wish for good fortunes, and warding off evil events, safe and happy home keeping, and wish fulfillment in the course of the coming year. The shops and stalls on the main street in front of the grand gate of the Temple are bustling with lots of shoppers.