Washio Atago Shrine, one of Japan's three major Atago shrines and boasting Fukuoka's longest history, holds its New Year's Day ceremony at 3 a.m. each January 1st. Within the worship hall, celebratory prayers for the new year are offered, while the Showa Centennial commemorative sacred lantern welcomes the  worshippers who come to pay their respects. Venture into the shrine's tranquil nighttime atmosphere for a special New Year experience—a sacred moment sure to purify the soul.

The Japanese custom of visiting shrines and temples for New Year's prayers is called “hatsumōde.” This traditional practice involves visiting a shrine or temple at the start of the new year to pray for happiness, health, and peace in the coming year. Many people make these visits late at night or early on New Year's Day to offer prayers and make wishes for the new year.

Washio Atago Shrine stands on the hills west of the Murogawa River estuary. Originally an ancient shrine dedicated to the deities Ameno-Oshihomimino-Mikoto(天忍穂耳尊) and Izanagi no Mikoto(伊弉諾尊), it was known as Washio Shrine. Later, it shifted to venerate the deities Kasane no Kami(火産靈神) and Izanami no Mikoto(伊弉冉尊). Since Meiji 34 (1901), it has been known as Atago Shrine, venerating four deities. This shrine not only dispels misfortune, brings good fortune, ensures academic success, safeguards household peace, promotes business prosperity, fosters auspicious marriages, and extinguishes fires, but is also reputed to grant wishes for quitting alcohol and smoking. As the principal guardian deity and object of prayer for Fukuoka Prefecture and beyond, it attracts numerous devotees from near and far.

This spot also offers an unparalleled view of Hakata Bay and is one of Fukuoka's most beloved locations for viewing the New Year's Day sunrise.

The shrine offers 19 diverse types of omikuji fortune slips, including the auspicious “Kisshō Tai” (Lucky Sea Bream) slip designed in the shape of a sea bream and the “Eto” (Zodiac) slip featuring the 2026 zodiac animal, the horse. These unique omikuji are a hallmark of New Year's visits to Washio Atago Shrine. We warmly invite you to visit the shrine during the New Year to draw your fortune slip and pray for blessings!