Hatsumode in Shimogamo Shrine
Hatsumode is usually thought of as January 1st, although it can be a few days later. People visit a shrine or sometimes temple and pray for comfort and health in the new year. It is very common to see women in kimono and quite a few men too. In the picture shown Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, a UNESO World Heritage Site in the north of the city, in the early afternoon of January 1st.
Happy New Year 2014
AJT would like to wish all travellers A very Happy New Year 2014. May the new horse year be filled with love, laughter, good health & great times! Happy travelling!
New Year Eve noodles
Eating extra long, thin soba noodles on New Year’s eve is a common custom in Japan. Known as toshikoshi soba, or year-crossing noodles, the long noodles are said to symbolise a long life and are traditionally eaten with family at some time on the night before the New Year. For the best luck and protection, all the noodles in your bowl should be eaten before midnight. Don’t leave any behind!
The New Year countdown
Two more days to wrap up year 2013. For most Japanese families, the real holiday spirit is felt during the time around New Year. Cities across Japan participate in this tradition in a number of ways. Here in Tokyo, people fix their eyes on a large electric bulletin board at Tokyo Tower as it changes from 2013 to 2014, or some indoor/outdoor musical event & live tv program for the New Year countdown.
Kenroku-en, Kanazawa
Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s official top three gardens. It’s an excellent example of a typical Japanese strolling garden and the grounds are quite large! The most famous view is of the Kotojitoro Lantern overlooking Kasumigaike Pond and the famous pines which were grown from seeds planted here by one of the Maeda lords.
