Oyama Afuri Shrine Hatsumode

About this event

At Oyama Afuri Shrine in Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year) takes place at an ancient shrine founded over 2,000 years ago. The enshrined deities are Oyamazumi no Okami, Oikazuchi no Okami, and Takaokami no Kami, said to bring blessings such as luck and fortune, increased wealth, thriving business, traffic safety, and warding off evil spirits. Shrine visits are possible 24 hours a day, but attention should be paid to the cable car operating hours. All-night operation on New Year's Eve may be canceled, and from January 2 to 5, the first car departs at 8:30 and the last car departs at 17:30. In typical New Year events, Saitansai and Gantan Hoheisai are held on January 1, with Fukumochi (fortune rice cakes) served at sunrise. Additionally, on January 7, Tsutsugayusai (where seven-herb rice porridge is served) and Hikimesai are held, and the Junishisai (Twelve Zodiac Signs Festival) is held in mid-January (planned). In typical years, the number of worshippers during the first three days of the New Year is about 30,000, with peak congestion expected from 0:00 to 12:00 on January 1 and 9:00 to 12:00 on January 2 and 3. Early morning on New Year's Day is also crowded as many come to see the first sunrise. While there are no street stalls, there are tofu restaurants and dining spots along the approach, and tonjiru (pork miso soup), soba, and takoyaki are sold at the summit. There are 2 municipal parking lots, but they may fill up during the Hatsumode period, which can cause long wait times. Access by public transport is recommended: take a bus from Odakyu Line Isehara Station to Oyama Cable Station, then take the cable car. The view, which earned two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, is also one of its attractions.

Venue

Oyama Afuri Shrine

355 Oyama, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1107