Asakusa Hatsumode Guide: How to Avoid New Year Crowds & Stay Safe!
* In the article from Hana-no-Wafuku, they provide tips for renting kimono during Hatsumode in Asakusa.
Asakusa Temple for Hatsumode (New Year’s visit) feels trendy and cool! Let’s go to Hatsumode with friends at the popular Asakusa Temple!
While there are various reasons for visiting the temple for Hatsumode, here are three important points to keep in mind when you go.
Make sure to pay attention to these points during your visit.
Asakusa Temple’s Hatsumode: It’s Crowded!
As a popular tourist spot, Asakusa is loved not only by Japanese but also by visitors from abroad.
Among them, the congestion around Asakusa Temple is overwhelming, even on weekdays.
However, Hatsumode at Asakusa Temple is on a different level!
It is said that the number of visitors to Asakusa Temple during the first three days of the New Year is approximately 2.9 million people each year, and the sheer number of people can be overwhelming.
The temple grounds become so crowded that it can be impossible to move around, and if you get separated from your friends or family, you might never find them amidst the sea of people.
Moreover, it becomes difficult to move and find your way through the crowd, so even if you want to go somewhere else, it’s nearly impossible since it’s completely surrounded by people.
Asakusa Temple is usually open 24 hours, but if you want to experience the temple when the main hall and gates are open, it’s essential to visit during specific hours.
On New Year’s Day, the temple is open from midnight, but from January 2nd, it opens at 6:30 AM, so it’s crucial to plan accordingly.
Opening hours may vary from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check the Asakusa Temple website for the latest information.
Enjoy Asakusa by Renting Kimono and Avoiding Crowds!
Consider visiting Asakusa Temple during less crowded times, such as after 3 PM. This is when the area around the main hall for offering donations tends to be less congested.
Many people choose to rent kimonos from places like Rikawafuku Kimono Rental in Asakusa and take a leisurely stroll around Asakusa in traditional attire, making their Hatsumode experience unique.
If you’re concerned about the cold when wearing a kimono, you can rent one in the afternoon when it’s warmer and visit the temple once the crowds have thinned out.
Proper Etiquette for Visiting Asakusa Temple
For those who don’t frequently visit shrines or temples, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two and understand the differences in customs.
When visiting Asakusa Temple for Hatsumode, remember that it is a “temple.” The typical way to pay respects at a temple is to bow your head slightly, ring the bell, make a monetary offering, and then clap your hands together before offering your prayers with your hands together.
After that, bow slightly to conclude your visit. Make sure to greet the new year properly and enjoy your Hatsumode visit.
There is no fixed date for Hatsumode, but it’s recommended to do it by January 7th, as it is a New Year’s greeting.
Be Cautious of Pickpockets in Crowds
One thing that is almost certain to happen in crowded places is theft. You can probably imagine, right?
While everyone is trying to start the new year with fresh and positive feelings during Hatsumode, unfortunately, there are many who try to spoil that experience.
During this time, thefts are more likely to occur in crowded places like Asakusa Temple.
People tend to be more distracted and less attentive in crowded situations, making them vulnerable to theft.
Surprisingly, even when you’re preparing your offering, it’s a vulnerable moment. It’s sad but true.
So, keep in mind that Asakusa Temple and its surroundings are crowded, and it’s a good idea to prepare your offering in advance, perhaps in your pocket.
Also, for valuable items like wallets or smartphones, it’s best to keep them within sight in a small bag.
If you’re wearing a kimono, be mindful not to drop anything and, if you have a small bag, keep it close to your chest. With a little awareness, you can prevent theft.
While caution is necessary, if you’re renting a kimono for Hatsumode in Asakusa, enjoy it to the fullest!
To ensure you don’t have an unpleasant start to the new year, be cautious.
Author of this article
Kimono rental Rikawafuku Asakusa store
(Operating company: TripFarm Co., Ltd.)
By 2023, more than 230,000 people will be wearing kimonos in a year
2-16-9 HULIC & New Kaminarimon 6F, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0034
3 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
1 minute walk to Kaminarimon
Click here for the website of our sister store, Kano-Wafuku（浅草の着物レンタル 花乃和服）.
