Welcoming a million worshippers: Japan’s “Meiji Shrine” announces all-night opening for New Year’s Eve

▲Every New Year, Meiji Shrine always sees a huge influx of people praying for blessings. (Photo / taken from Wikimedia Commons)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Today (31st) is the last day of 2014. For the Japanese, tonight is also New Year’s Eve, and many people have already prepared to visit temples and shrines to pray for good fortune. Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, which attracts millions of visitors every year, has also announced that it will remain open all night from tonight until New Year’s Day for worshippers.

Meiji Shrine, which welcomed over 3 million worshippers last year, said that from today until 7 p.m. on New Year’s Day next year, it will stay open all night. It will also decorate the area beside the shrine’s main hall with a giant ema (votive plaque) measuring 2 meters wide and an exorcism arrow decoration stretching 3.8 meters in length.

To accommodate the influx of worshippers, JR Harajuku Station, which is adjacent to Meiji Shrine, will also set up temporary gates during the hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) period to facilitate entry and exit. Meiji Shrine also expects to welcome more than three million worshippers this time.