Hatsuhinode, Oarai Beach, Ibaraki
In Japan, New Years is celebrated differently compared to other countries. Since today is New Year’s Eve here is how my celebration went a couple years back. First we went to the temple at night and waited for Hatsumode, which is the first temple visit and prayer of the New Year. Once we heard the bells ringing, we made our donation, rang the bell, clapped our hands and silently said our prayers for the New Year. I thought the night would be done after, but next thing you know we are heading to Oarai Beach for Hatsuhinode, first sunrise prayer. It was super cold, but that sunrise was worth the wait.