7 shrines across Japan that are spiritually important for beginners

As the year winds down and everything starts to speed up—deadlines, dinners, last-minute plans—it’s easy to feel like December flies by in the blink of an eye. But just before the calendar resets, it’s also the perfect time to slow down and set goals for the year ahead. In Japan, this reset takes the form of first prototypePeople visit the shrine for the first time in the new year to pray for good luck, blessing and innocence. (While first Zen can also be performed at Buddhist temples, our focus will be on shrines as they are the more popular destinations for first Zen.)

While there are countless places to do this in Tokyo, some shrines have a deeper spiritual appeal, influenced by centuries of ritual and mythology. Instead of heading to Tokyo’s busiest attractions, this guide highlights seven spiritually significant shrines across Japan for you to visit and start the new year with divine energy.

Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture

Ise Jingu ShrineIse Jingu Shrine is basically the center of Shintoism and is dedicated to Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, the mythical ancestor of the Japanese royal family, and Harvest Okami, the goddess of harvest and happiness. The shrine itself is rebuilt every 20 years, and people come here seeking overall purity, renewal, and protection for the year ahead. This is one of the most symbolic places to visit if you are looking for a new beginning.
Despite its immense importance, the shrine is rarely crowded. Outside the early hours of January 1st, you can take a slow stroll down a forest path and soak up a clean, reverent calm.

because: Renewal, purification, protection, general good luck

Izumo Chidai Shrine in Shimane Prefecture

Izumo Taisha Shrine (also known as Izumo Taisha Shrine) is listed as one of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines, recorded in Japanese bookmarker and trivial matter and is famous for its huge weave Shina rope rope. Dedicated to the Great Lord God of marriage, connections and relationships, it is both romantic and platonic. It is also known as the gathering place of the gods during October, the “Moon of the Gods.”

People come here to pray for strong connections, good relationships and happy love, but it’s also a popular prayer destination for those looking to build new networks or strengthen existing ones. Due to the remote location of the island itself, the initial flow is steady but rarely overwhelming.

because: Love, relationships, matchmaking, rapport

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Prefecture

Itsukushima Shrine is instantly recognizable by its huge torii gate rising from the sea. The shrine is dedicated to the three gods who protect the country and seafarers, so historically, people would go to Itsukushima to pray for the safety of their families and the sea. Modern tourists still do this, but many also come for the overall good luck and spiritual “cleansing” experience.

Winter brings fewer tourists to Itsukushima, more commonly known as Itsukushima miyajimaor “Shrine Island” – feels extraordinarily quiet and mysterious. The water ferries and the tranquility of the shrine corridors at high tide make for a slow and mindful start to the new year.

because: Safe travel, security, smooth transition in life, good luck and good luck

Courtesy of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka Prefecture

This shrine is the center of Japanese academia and is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, wisdom and art. Students from all over the country come here to pray for exam success, creativity and clarity of thinking. This doesn’t mean you have to be in study mode to complete the trip— Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine A great place for anyone starting a new project or looking for motivation.

The renovation project of the main hall will last until 2026, and a temporary special hall has been built. The lobby was designed by architect Sou Fujimoto Osaka ExpoThe Grand Ring, by no means feels makeshift; instead, it’s incredibly striking: a clean, modern black structure topped by an oval roof topped with plum trees.

because: Academic success, creativity, career development, mental focus

Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kanagawa Prefecture

lie in KamakuraTsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the coastal city and the historical center of samurai culture. Because of its association with the samurai, people often pray here for strength, resilience and good luck in overcoming challenges.

One of its most iconic rituals is it prevailedIt is an archery ceremony from the Kamakura period that is still performed today at the grand festival in September. Traditionally, a warrior on horseback would shoot arrows at three targets while galloping. The arrows that hit could be used to predict the coming year, and the arrows later became talismans. Around the New Year, many tourists will pick one InvasionThe “evil-proof arrow” closely related to the history of the shrine.

because: Protection, prosperity, resilience, overcoming obstacles

Atsuta Shrine in Aichi Prefecture

Atsuta Jingu is one of the most important shrines in Japan because it enshrines the Kusanagi sword, one of the three sacred treasures of the imperial power. This shrine is dedicated to the god Atsuta, who offers protection and strength. People come here seeking security, the power to achieve their goals, and blessings for major stages in life—from stable relationships to successful careers.

Even with this sense of solemnity, the shrine feels surprisingly calm and grounded, like it’s tucked away in a cool, shady forest in the middle of Nagoya. Lanterns, wooden paths and lush trees set the tone for the New Year.

because: Protection, strength, goal success, long-term stability

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto Prefecture

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is another shrine dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, and is popular with students, artists, and anyone looking to learn a new skill. Like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, it is famous for its plum blossoms, some of which begin to bloom early in the year, adding a soft, hopeful feel to a visit to Hatsuma.

The atmosphere here is more relaxed and less touristy than Kyoto’s temple hotspots. This is especially good for those who plan to spend the year focusing on personal development, creativity, or academic goals.

because: Learning, creativity, skill development, intellectual growth

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Updated on December 29, 2025