The Taoyuan Shrine New Year Countdown event is making a return this year, featuring a stunning sea of red and white lanterns that illuminate the night sky. Visitors can enjoy the "Late Night Yatai Street," a limited-time attraction offering an authentic Japanese New Year experience without leaving Taiwan. The event highlights traditional rituals such as the 108 Bell Chimes Ceremony ("Ōmisoka Joya no Kane") and Hatsumode Blessings. Special performances by Japanese retro-style musicians, including Yoshinobu Ozaki and Hattoriki Band, will enrich the festivities.
The Late Night Yatai Street gathers Japanese-style delicacies and handmade crafts, with extended operating hours from on-site brands. Visitors can also partake in unique activities such as wagashi-making workshops hosted by 24Jieqi Shippu Confectionery and nighttime kimono experiences provided by Hana Ikadatei, creating an immersive Japanese atmosphere.
Handmade Wagashi and Nighttime Kimono Experience (Photo/From Taoyuan Shrine_Showa 13 Facebook)
Event Highlights
On New Year’s Day, January 1, the event kicks off at 10:00 AM with the limited distribution of Year of the Snake Lucky Coins. Exclusive Goshuin stamps will be available at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, while 50 New Year’s Lucky Bags will be sold at 12:00 PM. Additionally, a Blessing Ceremony conducted by guest priest Miyaji Kinoshita, representing Okinita Shrine, will take place, offering prayers for peace and prosperity through sacred rituals.
New Exhibition: "Kyudo·Naruhodo" To celebrate the New Year, Taoyuan Shrine will launch the "Kyudo·Naruhodo" Exhibition on January 1, introducing the culture of Japanese archery through humorous illustrations by artist Guo Hank. During the Lunar New Year, live kyudo demonstrations by professional archers will also be held, symbolizing blessings for the new year through the art of archery.
Taoyuan Shrine aims to create unforgettable memories by combining cultural rituals, music performances, and unique activities. Through traditional Japanese ceremonies, the event hopes to inspire participants to embrace a new year filled with peace and joy.
Limited Edition "Year of the Snake Lucky Coin" and "Blessing Ceremony" on New Year's Day (Photo/From Taoyuan Shrine_Showa 13 Facebook)
[Taoyuan Shrine Countdown Event]
- Date: December 31 – January 1
- Location: 200, Section 3, Chenggong Rd., Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City
- Yatai Street Operating Hours: 31: 6:00 PM–12:00 AM; Jan. 1: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Blessing Ceremony Times: 1 at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM (Limited to 15 participants per session; NT$200 per person. Reservations open at 11:00 AM at the torii gate on-site.)
- Hatsumode Lucky Coin Distribution: 1 at 10:00 AM (Queue numbers available from 9:30 AM)
- Exclusive Goshuin Stamps: 1 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
- New Year’s Lucky Bags: 1 at 12:00 PM (Limited to 50 bags)
- Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/showa.13
