Thousands visit Tokyo shrine for traditional New Year prayers

On Wednesday, New Year's Day worshippers packed the grounds of Meiji Jingu, a major Shinto Shrine in Tokyo, praying that good luck will come their way in 2025. They began forming queues late at night on New Year's Eve along the approach to the shrine in Shibuya Ward.

With the sound of a beating drum at midnight signaling the arrival of the New Year, visitors began throwing monetary offerings into a wide fenced-in area, and then made their wishes. Meiji Jingu officials said the shrine is usually crowded with worshippers during the first three days of the New Year. They are asking people to consider when to visit the shrine to avoid peak congestion hours.