Hatsumode and Hatsu-hi-no-de

From ChibaWiki

Hatsumode and Hatsu-hi-no-de

Hatsumode isn't a place.  Hatsumode is the first shrine or 
   temple visit after the new year begins.  Hatsumode does not, 
   however, have to fall on New Year's Day, and may be made at any 
   time.  It is still common to do go by the 3rd, when the holiday 
   ends.  
       
       While Meiji Shrine in Tokyo is the number one destination for 
   hatsumode, Narita Shinshoji Temple brought in the second largest 
   crowd in 2009.  If you like bustling crowds its definitely worth 
   stopping by.  It has a large temple grounds as well as a gorgeous 
   park.
       
       However, you don't have to make your hatsumode at one of the 
   large popular spots.  If you aren't the type who likes a crowd, 
   any local shrine or temple will work.  Just stop by, maybe buy a 
   fortune to see how your year will go. 
       
       Many Japanese also find a good spot for hatsu-hi-no-de, or "
   the first sunrise." People will go to the coast or climb a 
   mountain to get an excellent view of the first sunrise of the new 
   year.  
       
       Chiba has many excellent spots for this, such as the Chiba 
   Port Tower in Chiba City (open at 5:45), Hasanuma Kaihin Koen (has 
   a big Tower), any number of towers in Choushi, the Gyoubu Misaki 
   Cape in Asahi, and any other place you might watch the sunset 
   from.  
       
       Some people will party all night until the sunrise, and 
   others may just go out early in the morning.  Either way, if you 
   can get to a good spot before 6:46 on New Year's Day and watch the 
   sun rise, it is said to bring good luck for the New Year.
                                     

Chiba Nanohana News Ed.78 This is an article from Nanohana News (the prefecture's English mail magazine. If you would like to sign up to recieve it, go here: http://www.pref.chiba.lg.jp/syozoku/b_kokusai_e/foreigner/mm_eng.html