Pick out famous shrines and temples in Takarazuka to visit for Hatsumode in 2024!

Many people go to Hatsumode (New Year’s visit to a shrine or temple) to wish for a good New Year. On the first three days of the New Year, many stores are set up along the approach to shrines and temples, so it’s fun to have food with family and friends. It will be crowded, but you can start the New Year with a good mood. In this issue, we introduce shrines and temples in the Takarazuka area recommended for Hatsumode. There are many historic temples and shrines in this area, and they are perfect for a Hatsumode, for example, Nishinomiya Shrine, where a big festival called “Toka Ebisu” is held at the beginning of January, and temples with power spots.

Nishinomiya Shrine, the head shrine of Ebisu shrines.

Nishinomiya Shrine, the head shrine of Ebisu shrines, is a shrine dedicated to the god Ebisu. Many people visit this shrine every year for Hatsumode, and it is probably the most crowded in Hyogo. Ebisu God was originally a god of fishing, and later was regarded as a god of business as well, and is one of the most beloved Gods. Toka Ebisu, a three-day festival held every year from January 9 to 11, is another popular event that usually attracts more than 1 million people. The shrine is crowded until midnight with many people visiting the shrine to receive Fukuzasa, which is said to bring good fortune for prosperous business, and lucky charms to attach to the Fukuzasa. There is also an event to affix coins to the “Shofuku Ohmaguro,” which is considered a specialty of Nishinomiya Shrine. It is said to be beneficial not only to those who are in business, but also to company employees, freelancers, and anyone else who works in any kind of business.

Date	New Year’s Day: January 1st from 12AM Toka Ebisu: January 9th to 11th
Address	1-17 Shiyake-machi, Nishinomiya city, Hyogo prefecture
Access	15 min. walk from Shukugawa Sta. on the Hankyu Railway. From Takarazuka Washington Hotel, take this railway from Takarazuka Sta. and change at Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Sta.
URL	https://nishinomiya-ebisu.com/

Kiyoshikojin-Seichoji, a temple dedicated to the gods of fire and the kitchen.

Kiyoshikojin-Seichoji is a temple with a history of over 1,000 years. It is a prestigious temple that many people come from far away to visit. It is the head temple of the Shingon Sanpo Sect and was founded in 896. It is familiarly called “Kiyoshi Kojin-san” by the locals. This temple dedicated to the gods of fire and the kitchen. Fire, which has been indispensable for daily life since ancient times, is sacred and has been the center of life. Fire is believed to bring prosperity to families and society, and is the subject of much devotion. The approach leading from Hankyu Kiyoshikojin Sta. is named “Ryu no Michi” (Dragon’s Path), perfect for Hatsumode in the Year of the Dragon, 2024. Many stores are set up along the approach to the shrine, and visitors can enjoy foods. You can also visit the shrine throughout the night on New Year’s Eve, making it a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends.

Address	1, Maitani-Kiyoshi, Takarazuka city, Hyogo prefecture
Access	20 min. walk from Kiyoshikojin Sta. on the Hankyu Railway, it is 2 min. from Takarazuka Sta., the closest sta. to Takarazuka Washington Hotel
URL	http://www.kiyoshikojin.or.jp/

Daihonzan Nakayama Temple, its blessings such as marriage, safe delivery, and pregnancy.

Daihonzan Nakayama Temple is a historic temple founded by Prince Shotoku. It is one of the 33 temples in the western part of Japan, and is popular for its blessings such as marriage, safe delivery, and pregnancy. The warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi visited here to have his son, and many people have worshipped here since ancient times. The temple has also been worshipped by the imperial family, and the Queen and Empress of Japan prayed here for safe delivery. It is a very popular place for Hatsumode, and on the first three days of the New Year, the temple is filled with stores. Tacchu temples and halls have a Buddha associated with each zodiac sign of the year of birth, so it’s a good idea to seek out and visit the Buddha of your own zodiac sign. Furthermore, there are sacred places within the precincts, where you can visit to King Enma and visit the Seven Lucky Gods, which are said to bring good fortune.

Address	2-11-1 Nakayama Temple, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	20 min. walk from Nakayama Kannon Sta. on the Hankyu Railway, it is 5 min. from Takarazuka Sta., the closest sta. to Takarazuka Washington Hotel
URL	https://www.nakayamadera.or.jp/