Saisaki-mode

Saisaki-mode (幸先詣) referred to the practice of visiting shrines and temples earlier than usual for Hatsumōde in 2021 during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This practice aimed to avoid the usual crowds of worshippers and the resultant difficulties in maintaining social distancing. The concept was first proposed by a shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture and subsequently encouraged by the Fukuoka Prefecture Shrine Agency.^[1]

There is a traditional Japanese custom of exchanging end-of-year greetings, and preparing for the New Year by the end of December with a sentiment of hoping for a "auspicious start" to the year. This concept resonated well with this sentiment and quickly spread nationwide. There are also shrines and temples that refer to this practice as "Saisaki-mairi (幸先参り)".^[2]

Shrines and temples that perform good luck pilgrimages

Students taking the entrance exam at Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, where a banner of "Happy New Year" is displayed.

• Shrines in Fukuoka Prefecture
• Kanda Shrine (Tokyo Chiyoda, Tokyo)^[3]
• Yushima Tenmangū (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bunkyō)^[4]
• Jindai-ji (Tokyo, Chofu City)^[5]
• Omi Shrine (Shiga Prefecture Ōtsu)^[6]
• Kasuga-taisha (Nara Prefecture Nara City)^[7]