We looked into New Year’s shrine visits for 2021 and COVID-19 measures ＼(^o^)／
Ebessan (Nishinomiya Shrine)
Opening hours
January 1: 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
January 2 and 3: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
January 4 to 8: 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Fukuzasa lucky bamboo branches and other items that were previously only available during New Year’s and Toka Ebisu will be available through the end of January.
- The layout has been changed to create more space in front of the amulet distribution area.
- Omikuji fortunes have changed from the tube-drawing style to folded omikuji and tai-mikuji that visitors choose themselves.
- Goshuin shrine stamps will be distributed as pre-written sheets.
- There will be no free distribution of the 2021 calendar.
- No food stalls will be set up on the shrine grounds in order to keep the approach wider.
- The place for cleansing your hands (temizuya) is closed.
- Prayer services can be requested by mail.
Here are the COVID-19 measures↓
From the Nishinomiya Shrine website
Ebessan has a live camera, so you can check the approach to the shrine in real time ＼(^o^)／
For more details about New Year’s and Toka Ebisu, see here
Hirota Shrine
- Goshuin stamps during the first three days of the year will be available only as pre-written sheets
- Prayer services and New Year visits are generally by reservation only
- Please wear a mask and disinfect your hands when visiting.
- During crowded times, visitors will be guided while limiting the number of people.
- Sacred sake will not be distributed.
Information on the 2021 New Year shrine visit is here↓
From the Hirota Shrine website
For more details, including New Year’s Eve rituals, see here
Yakujinsan (Mondoyakujin Tokoji Temple)
Special prayer services
- Same-day registration instead of advance reservations
- Waiting rooms are closed; only the person receiving the prayer may enter the hall (up to two people for companies and other groups)
- Temperature checks, hand sanitizing, and mask wearing are required
- Windows will be kept open for ventilation
Online special prayer services have started
For details, see here
Traffic restriction information for the Yakuyoke Taisai festival↓
Lastly
They’re offering ways to pray that fit the times, such as by mail or online, but every shrine and temple is asking everyone to avoid crowding by spreading out their visits(^^)
We hope you can welcome a wonderful New Year m(__)m
