Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit) and Smoking Rules 2026 — Meiji Jingu, Sensoji, Kawasaki Daishi, Naritasan Shinshoji, Samukawa Shrine
Table of contents
Smoking rules at major Tokyo/Kanto hatsumode spots
Meiji Jingu (Shibuya Ward)
The grounds of Meiji Jingu are fully no-smoking (Source: Meiji Jingu official https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/). The area around Harajuku and Yoyogi Stations is covered by Shibuya Ward’s street-smoking ban ordinance (JPY 2,000 fine). Use the designated smoking areas around the stations before visiting. Police and security are deployed in large numbers during the hatsumode period.
Sensoji (Taito Ward)
The Sensoji grounds, Kaminarimon, and Nakamise shopping street are no-smoking by principle. The area also falls under Taito Ward’s street-smoking ban ordinance (JPY 1,000 fine). Use designated smoking areas around Asakusa Station. During hatsumode, walking-smoking enforcement is reinforced around Nakamise.
Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji (Kawasaki, Kanagawa)
The grounds of Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji are fully no-smoking. Kanagawa Prefecture’s "Ordinance on Prevention of Passive Smoking in Public Facilities" (in force since 2010) bans smoking in indoor facilities used by unspecified members of the public. Outdoor smoking rules within the grounds follow the temple’s own rules. Use the designated smoking areas around Kawasaki Daishi Station (Source: Kawasaki City https://www.city.kawasaki.jp/).
Naritasan Shinshoji (Narita, Chiba)
The grounds of Naritasan Shinshoji are fully no-smoking. Narita City has a street-smoking ban ordinance covering part of the area from JR Narita Station / Keisei Narita Station to the Naritasan main approach (Source: Narita City https://www.city.narita.chiba.jp/).
Samukawa Shrine (Samukawa Town, Kanagawa)
The grounds of Samukawa Shrine are fully no-smoking. Samukawa Town does not have a confirmed independent fine-based street-smoking system, but the indoor rules of the Kanagawa Prefecture ordinance and the outdoor consideration duty of the revised Health Promotion Act still apply.
Cautions specific to the hatsumode period
(1) Extreme density of worshippers spreads passive-smoking impact widely. (2) Fire risk from food stalls’ paper bags, mats, and stall materials. (3) Paper items such as omikuji, ema, and ofuda are scattered around, creating fire-spread risk. (4) Police, shrine security, and municipal patrol officers reinforce enforcement. Walk to designated smoking areas and carry a portable ashtray.
Heated tobacco (IQOS / glo / Ploom)
Heated tobacco is also subject to the revised Health Promotion Act and each municipality’s ordinance. On the grounds and on the approach, it is treated the same as combustible cigarettes.
Using Motto Suitai
Before hatsumode, check designated smoking areas near your destination station on Motto Suitai (https://mottosuitai.com/). They may be unusable during the heavy hatsumode crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Can I smoke at Meiji Jingu during hatsumode?
A.The grounds are fully no-smoking. The areas around Harajuku and Yoyogi Stations fall under Shibuya Ward’s street-smoking ban ordinance (JPY 2,000 fine). Use the designated smoking areas around the stations.
Q.Can I smoke on the Kawasaki Daishi grounds?
A.No. The grounds are fully no-smoking. Use the designated smoking areas around Kawasaki Daishi Station.
Q.Is enforcement strict during the hatsumode period?
A.Yes. Police, shrine security, and municipal patrol officers are reinforced; walking-smoking and littering along the approach result in immediate guidance.
Q.Can I smoke at the food stalls?
A.No, in principle. Fire risk to paper bags, mats, and stall materials is high, and shrine administrators and stall owners will strongly stop the act.