New year, new promises, same you—but slightly more hopeful. If you’re ringing in 2026 in Okinawa, Hatsumōde (the first shrine or temple visit of the year) is a solid way to reset the vibes. Whether you’re praying for traffic safety, good relationships, world peace, or just an excuse to eat festival food at 8 a.m., Okinawa has options.
From lantern-lit shrines in the city to cliffside prayers with ocean views, here’s a super local, easy-to-navigate guide to some of Okinawa’s best Hatsumōde spots.
Okinawa Gokoku Shrine (Naha City)
Okinawa Gokoku Shrine enshrines the spirits of Okinawan soldiers and civilians who lost their lives from the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars onward, including those who died in the Battle of Okinawa and people from across Japan.
During the New Year season, hundreds of lanterns light up the shrine approach, welcoming visitors. Food stalls line the grounds, and many people come here to purchase lucky charms and amulets while soaking in a very traditional New Year atmosphere.
Pray Here For
Peace 🕊️, family safety 👨👩👧👦, life stability 🧘, work success 💼, protection 🛡️
Address
Hours
Worship is open all day.
Prayer reception times vary throughout the New Year period. From January 1 to January 3, prayers are accepted from 8:00 to 20:00. On January 4, reception ends at 19:00. January 5 and 6 are closed for individual prayers, with services limited to companies and groups only. From January 7 to 15, reception runs from 8:30 to 18:00, and on January 16 from 9:30 to 16:00.
Traffic safety prayers for vehicles begin on January 16.
Amulets and talismans are available all day from January 1 to 3. Hours gradually return to normal starting January 16, with standard service from 9:00 to 17:00.
Parking
Free parking is available, but from January 1 to January 4, vehicles are not allowed to enter the shrine parking area. Visitors are asked to use nearby park parking lots.
🎍
Naminoue Shrine (Naha City)
Located about a 15-minute walk from Asahibashi Monorail Station, Naminoue Shrine sits on a cliff overlooking Naminoue Beach.
Instead of guardian lion dogs, Okinawan shīsā greet visitors. Praying for the New Year while gazing out at the ocean creates a distinctly Okinawan Hatsumōde experience.
Pray Here For
Safe travels ✈️, protection at sea 🌊, good fortune 🍀, new beginnings 🌅, relationship harmony 💞
Address
1-25-11 Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa
Hours
Worship is open all day.
Prayer reception runs from 8:00 to 18:00.
Amulets, charms, and fortunes are available from midnight to early morning and again throughout the day on January 1. From January 2 onward, hours gradually return to normal, with standard service from 9:00 to 17:00 starting January 4.
Parking
Free parking is available, but parking is not permitted during the New Year holidays. Nearby paid parking facilities should be used.
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Futenma Shrine (Ginowan City)
Futenma Shrine features Okinawa’s signature red roof and white walls, with guardian lion dogs welcoming visitors at the entrance.
An inner sanctuary located inside a cave creates a calm, mystical atmosphere, making it a great place for a quieter, more reflective New Year prayer.
Pray Here For
Health 💪, family safety 🏠, overcoming difficulties 🧗, mental clarity 🧠, protection 🛡️
Address
1-27-10 Futenma, Ginowan City, Okinawa
Pedestrian restrictions begin from 23:00 on New Year’s Eve, with some overpasses partially closed.
Hours
Worship is open all day.
Prayer reception is held from 9:30 to 17:00. From January 1 to January 12, participation is limited to a maximum of 20 people per group. January 5 and 6 are reserved for group prayers only. Individual visitors are accepted in order of arrival.
Traffic safety prayers and cave worship visits both begin on January 13.
Amulets and talismans are available from late night on December 31 through January 3, with hours gradually returning to normal from January 6 onward.
Parking
On-site parking is not available from January 1 to January 4. Visitors are asked to use nearby paid parking facilities.
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Okinawa Naritasan Fukusenji Temple (Nakagusuku Village)
Known as a popular sunrise viewing spot, this hilltop temple attracts visitors who gather from late night to watch the first sunrise of the year rise over the horizon.
The temple is especially well known for traffic safety prayers, and many visitors purchase protective amulets during their Hatsumōde visit.
Pray Here For
Traffic safety 🚗, accident prevention ⚠️, safe driving 🛣️, smooth deliveries 📦, travel protection 🧳
Address
617 Isado, Nakagusuku Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa
Hours
Worship is open all day.
Prayer reception times vary, and visitors are encouraged to check directly before visiting. Group reservations are accepted, while individual visitors are received in order.
Parking
Parking is available on site.
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Okiongu Shrine (Naha City)
Okion-gu Shrine is known for embracing activities beyond traditional religious boundaries, including Christmas tree displays and New Year’s Eve charity concerts.
With a strong focus on world peace, the shrine offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those who want to begin the year with calm intentions.
Pray Here For
World peace 🌍, harmony 🤝, emotional balance ⚖️, kindness 💖, personal growth 🌱
Address
44 Okuyama-cho, Naha City, Okinawa
Hours
Worship is open all day.
Amulets and talismans are available as needed.
Parking
Parking is available using nearby park parking facilities.
🎍
Shuri Kannon Hall (Naha City)
Shuri Kannon Hall sits in a scenic location overlooking Naha city, the harbor, the sea, and the sky. Its official temple name is Jigen-in.
A 120-year-old banyan tree known as the “Elder Tree,” which survived the war, is cherished as a local power spot.
Pray Here For
Health 🌿, longevity 🕰️, healing 💫, family protection 🏡, life balance ☯️
Address
3-1 Shuri Yamakawa-cho, Naha City, Okinawa
Hours
Worship is open all day.
Amulets and talismans are available from January 1 to January 4 between 7:00 and 20:00. From January 5 onward, normal hours resume from 9:30 to 17:30. The grounds are closed outside of these hours.
The indoor columbarium is closed from January 1 to January 4.
Parking
Parking is available, but vehicle access is restricted from January 1 at 10:00 until January 4 at 18:00. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation such as buses, taxis, or the monorail during the New Year period.
⚠️Disclaimer
The information provided in this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness, reliability, or complete accuracy. Travel information, including attractions, accommodations, and transportation, may change over time. Readers are advised to independently verify details, check travel advisories, and make necessary reservations. We do not assume any liability for loss or inconvenience caused by relying on the information. Remember, travel experiences are subjective and vary based on personal preferences. Tailor your travel plans to your individual needs and interests. Happy travels!
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