Fundamentally, hatsumode, in which no 'toshigomori' formalities are taken but only 'ganjitsumode' to shrines and temples is conducted, is a new custom which became widespread after the Meiji period; this is considered as being the product resulting from development of the railway network.
基本的に「年蘢り」形式を踏まず、単に寺社に「元日詣」を行うだけの初詣は明治以降広まった新しい風習であり、それも鉄道網の発展による賜物という。