Kiyoshikojin Seichoji Temple is located in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, and enshrines Sanbo Kojin, known as the god of fire and hearth.
During the New Year’s visit season, the temple becomes bustling with many worshippers. Here we will introduce information on the crowd situation during New Year’s visits, traffic restrictions, and limited edition gifts.
7.1 Crowds and Best Times for New Year’s Visits
Kiyoshikojin Seichoji Temple is bustling with worshippers, especially from New Year’s Day through the first three days of the year.
The peak hours are from around 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more leisurely visit, we recommend visiting early in the morning (around 6:30 AM).
Also, after January 4th, the number of visitors decreases, allowing for a more leisurely visit.
7.2 Food Stalls, Traffic Controls, and Visitor Etiquette
- Food Stalls
During the New Year’s visit period, many food stalls line the approach to iyoshikojin Seichoji Temple, entertaining worshippers.
You can enjoy classic street food such as amazake (sweet sake), takoyaki (octopus balls), and yakisoba (fried noodles). - Traffic Controls
During the New Year’s visit period, traffic controls will be in place around Kiyoshikojin Seichoji Temple.
Vehicle traffic will be restricted, especially from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, so we recommend using public transportation.
・Worship Etiquette
Kiyoshikojin Seichoji Temple has a unique Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, and therefore requires specific worship etiquette.
At the worship hall, follow the “one bow, three claps, one bow” etiquette and pray sincerely. It is also important to be mindful of the volume of photography and conversation within the temple grounds so as not to disturb other worshippers.
🔸Basic Worship Etiquette
- First – bow deeply to show respect.
- Three Clapping Hands (applause) – Clap your hands three times to signify devotion to the Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
- First – bow deeply one more time.
🔸Unique Worship Points
・The Custom of “Retaining” Offerings
Kiyoshikojin Seichoji Temple has a unique custom of “retaining” offerings to bring good fortune.
It is said that you will receive good fortune if you use a special stick to pull out your offering and then return double the amount the next time you visit.
・Water-Throwing Jizo – At the Ichigan Jizo statue located within the temple grounds, it is said that your wish will come true if you scoop up water with a ladle and pour it over the Jizo statue’s head.
However, you can only make one wish at a time, so be sure to carefully decide on your wish before praying.
・Turning away bad luck with fire tongs – At Kiyoshikojin Seichoji Temple, you can receive “turning away bad luck with fire tongs.”
It is customary to enshrine them in a high place in a household altar or in a bedroom for three years, from the year before the bad luck, through the year after the bad luck, and then once the bad luck has passed, place them in a shrine and make a pilgrimage to give thank
・How to worship at a Shinto altar – When worshiping Sanbo Kojin at home, it is said that it is best to place the Shinto altar in a pure place in the kitchen and enshrine the ofuda facing east or south.
It is said that you can receive the protection of the Arajin by offering rice, salt, water, and sake to him and praying every morning.
Knowing the unique etiquette of Kiyoshikojin Seichoji Temple will likely deepen your religious experience. Please keep these points in mind when you visit!
7.3 New Year’s Gifts and Event Information
- New Year’s Gifts
Kiyoshikojin Seichoji offers limited-edition gifts during the New Year’s visit period.
These gifts are often only available until February 5th. - First Sanbo Kojin Grand Festival
The “First Sanbo Kojin Grand Festival” is held every year on January 27th and 28th.
Special prayers and memorial services are held at this festival, attracting many worshippers.
Special souvenirs, such as the limited-time strawberry-flavored “Arajin Baum,” are also popular.