The first shrine or temple visit of the New Year in Japan is called hatsumode.
Hatsumode literally means the first visit, and it usually takes place during the first days of January. People visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples to pray for health, safety, prosperity, and other hopes for the year. Popular sites can attract long queues, especially immediately after midnight on New Year's Eve.
Visitors may buy protective amulets, draw fortunes called omikuji, and return old amulets for ritual disposal. Hatsumode is related to New Year's Eve observances but is not the same as Joya no Kane, the Buddhist bell-ringing ceremony traditionally performed 108 times. Customs and timing differ among families, regions, shrines, and temples.