Hatsumode Spots in Karuizawa
Suwa Shrine in KyukaruizawaMAP
The date of construction is unknown. The shrine is the guardian deity of Karuizawa Township, and was originally a branch of the Suwa-taisha Shrine, the largest shrine in Shinshu, when the Karuizawa area was first settled. The shrine plexus is a natural monument designated by the town of Karuizawa.
[ About the worship service] There will be no ritual service by the priests this year. Good-luck charms and omamori will be sold with infection-prevention measures in place. There will be no behavior in the precincts of the shrine.
Kyukaruizawa Kumano Koutai ShrineMAP
Located at an altitude of 1200 m at the top of Usui Pass, this shrine is unique in Japan in that it is divided into Nagano and Gunma prefectures in the center of the shrine. It is one of the three great Kumano shrines in Japan.
[ This year, you can visit the shrine as usual. *Please wear a mask to prevent new corona infection.
[The “Transparent Yatagarasu Goshuin” (red seal) will be distributed. Please note that the distribution will end as soon as they are gone.
Kyukaruizawa Jinguji TempleMAP
This historic shrine is located in the Old Karuizawa Ginza. Famous for its 400-year-old weeping cherry tree, it has long been a favorite of great writers and frequently appears in literary works and writers’ letters.
[ This year, you can visit the shrine. There will be no bell-ringing, amulets, or money sales.
Oiwake Sengenzan SendojiMAP
Sento-ji Temple was founded about 410 years ago in March 1598 by Zenji Shinan Sosho, the 5th head priest of Jorinji Temple in Ueshu (present-day Naganohara-machi, Gunma Prefecture). In July 2013, the Jiseki Jizoson (stone guardian deity) of ice rings (curling rings) was erected.
[ About the visit] You can visit the temple for two years. Due to the new corona infection control measures, the ringing of the bell is for related persons only, and the general public is not allowed to ring the bell. Hatsumode can be visited only on the 1st. For both visits, you will not be allowed to enter the main hall this time, but please wear a mask and keep a distance from the main hall.
Nakakaruizawa Nagakura ShrineMAP
The shrine has a long history, and its name can be found in the Engishiki (Engishiki), a document written in the Heian period (794-1185). The forest is home to more than 70 species of trees, including giant beech and azusa trees.
[About the visit to the temple] This year’s Hatsumode (New Year’s visit to the shrine) has been cancelled due to measures against new corona infection.
