In Shinto practice, the traditional first shrine visit of the Japanese New Year is called hatsumōde.
Hatsumōde usually takes place during the first days of January. Visitors pray for health, safety, prosperity, and other hopes for the year ahead. Many people visit Shinto shrines, although Buddhist temples may also receive hatsumōde visitors.
Common activities include buying protective amulets, drawing an omikuji fortune, and returning old amulets for ritual disposal. Visitors may also ring a shrine bell, make an offering, and perform the customary two bows, two claps, and one bow.
Hatsumōde is distinct from Shōgatsu, the broader Japanese New Year period. It is also different from Shikinen sengū, the periodic rebuilding of certain shrine buildings. Large shrines such as Meiji Jingū in Tokyo and Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto are especially famous for attracting large New Year crowds.