Hatsumōde (New Year’s Shrine Visit)
Over two million people visit Sumiyoshi Taisha in the first three days of January for hatsumōde, the customary first shrine or temple visit of the year. Long lines form before midnight on New Year’s Eve as people brave the cold to place a coin in the offering box of Daiichi Hongū and say a short prayer for good fortune in the coming year. Fortune-telling slips called omikuji that predict one’s luck for the year are available at booths around the shrine. Visitors can also enjoy food and souvenirs from the temporary stalls set up on the grounds.