Let’s Drive to Iwaki at the Beginning of The Year for New Year’s Blessings!

When New Year’s Day comes, people visit shrines and temples for Hatsumode (初詣). Hatsumode is one of the Japanese customs. In Hatsumode, which became a custom during the Edo period (1603-1867), people give thanks for the previous year and pray for happiness in the new year. This time we are introducing a driving course for New Year’s blessings in Iwaki. Following are three recommended shrines, including historic shrines and a shrine with a hot spring on site.

Kunitama-Jinja Shrine was built in 806 with blessing benefits such as the beginning of things, removal of bad luck, marriage, and safe delivery

Kunitama-Jinja Shrine was built in 806 by Kikuta Kunino-Miyatsuko (an administrative organization) as a branch of Izumo Taisha Shrine. This shrine gives good luck and blessings for the beginning of things, removing unfavorable luck, marriage, and safe delivery. In particular, the big-size amulet for safe delivery is a popular gift among visitors. Unusually for shrines, the bell has been preserved and can be rung only during the New Year period. In the same area, there are various shrines, such as Kitano Jinja, Kikuta Goryo Jinja, Inari Jinja, and Ta Jinja. On the 1st of January, this shrine holds a Shinto festival called “Saitansai” to pray for peace and family safety in the new year, so it is a great place to visit.

Hours	6:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	72 Kubota Baba, Nakoso-machi, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 28-minute drive from Iwaki Washington Hotel
HP	https://kunitamajinjya.com/

Okunitama-Jinja Shrine is the oldest shrine in Iwaki City, surrounded by 1,000-year-old giant cedars

Okunitama-Jinja Shrine is famous for its good fortune in marriage. This deity ties not only the relationship between men and women but also between parents and children. In addition, it also bridges the relationship between business people and customers. Furthermore, this matchmaking deity also has the power to break bad karmas and habits, such as heavy drinking, smoking, illness, and bullying. Kabutozuka Kofun (Japanese Pyramid) and the 1,000-year-old Osugi (giant cedars) are located around the shrine. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and scenery surrounded by nature. Why not visit and pray during the “New Year’s Prayer Festival” held from the 1st to the 3rd of January?

Hours	7:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	54 Aza Miyamae, Taira Suginami, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute drive from Iwaki Washington Hotel
HP	https://ookunisama.jp/

Onsen Jinja Shrine, the guardian deity, of Iwaki Yumoto Onsen with over 1,300 years of history

Iwaki Yumoto Onsen is one of the three ancient hot springs in Japan, originating from the Nara period (710-794). And the Onsen Jinja Shrine has an over 1,300-year history as a guardian deity, so it is beloved by the locals. Recently, the shrine has been developing several new initiatives, including offering permissions for cosplayers to photograph on its grounds in cooperation with local ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). In addition, every New Year’s Day, the shrine serves blessing rice cakes to visitors so that the people can have a happy new year.

Hours	8:30AM – 4:30PM
Address	322 Sanhako, Jobanyumoto-machi, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 12-minute drive from Iwaki Washington Hotel
HP	http://onsen-jinja.or.jp/