In the wee hours of Wednesday, New Year's Day worshippers packed the grounds of Meiji Jingu, a major Shinto shrine in central 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.

Many foreigners were seen among the throngs of shrine visitors, using smartphones to record the experience.

A woman in her 50s came with her family to the shrine from neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture.
She recalled the many sad events that occurred last year, including disasters, with hopes that the family's prayers will make the New Year even just a little better.

A tourist in his 30s visiting from France said he had an excellent experience, one that he could only have had there. He said he hopes 2025 will be an even better year.

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.