New Year (06) in Japan

明けましておめでとうございます! (Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!)

Its almost 12 midnite on 31 Dec 2005 and we were still deciding whether to go to the Meiji Shrine or a smaller Hie JinJa shrine at Asakasa. But looking at the time, it was obvious that we could never make it to Meiji Shrine in time, with the crowd and long walk into the main shrine, so we headed for Asakasa from Shinjuku ni-chome and a mad dash to the entrance. Made it about 5 mins before 12. There is already a queue at the main door.



Watch what happens at the shrine

At 12, the shrine door swings open and everyone rushes in (orderly). Hamay arrows are sold at the Shrine to receive blessings in a blessing ceremony. (Click here to download video).

Watch arrow blessing video

I did not buy any arrows, but queued up in front of the main shrine to perform the New Year blessing prayer. Its quite simple. Toss some coins in front of you, ring the bell, the put your palms together and say your prayers… then get out of the way! I thought I was a nice way to start a new year…. rather than party all night and get drunk sitting on your puke.

One of the main characteristics of Japanese temples/shrines on festive seasons is that there will surely be a line of food stalls outside the main gate from たこ焼き, お好み焼き, 甘酒 (sweet rice wine… without alcohol) and BBQ Squids, amongst others! Everyone just tugs into a midnite snack after visiting the shrine and its quite nice to see Japanese people sitting around on the steps and eating their food place on the steps… so unlike what you would expect of polite and clean Japan, but I think that’s more real.

Its a nice start to the New Year