Kimura, an office worker living in northern Tokyo.

Happy New Year!

I hope to post more blogs this year.

In Japan, there are many events at the beginning of the year.

Among them, “Hatsumode” is the one that many people visit.

It is to visit a shrine at the beginning of the year.

You can visit a shrine from midnight on 1/1.

(Does worshipping translate properly? It means to go to a shrine to put your hands together).

If you go to the shrine at that time, you will see many people waiting in line.

I went there after the sun came out and the temperature rose.

It is a small shrine, so it is not crowded.

In this picture, music is being played on the stage.

They also had this kind of event.

I always seem to feel peaceful when I go to Hatsumode.

If you have a chance to travel in Japan, why don’t you visit a shrine?

I think it is a uniquely Japanese experience.

I wish you all the best in 2024!