Hatsu-moude, 初詣

 

Hatsu-moude is one of Japanese custom that first visit of the year to Shrines

or/and Temples.

Literal meaning of Hatsu is first and moude is pray.

Most Japanese people visit Shrines and/or Temples at the beginning of the year

to pray for happiness for the year.

What they pray are variety such as safety and health of family, business prosperity,

traffic safety, a good harvest in agriculture, a big catch in the fishing industry,

prevention of natural disasters, etc.

 - Japanese Culture, Staff Blog