It has been a tradition now for quite some time that Chie and I take a walk to the shrine not far from Chie’s mother’s home in Tokorozawa. Since Coco was born he has joined us.
This year was no exception. We all walked, enjoying the crisp air and the sunshine.
At the shrine we bought tigers for the three of us. As you may recall from last year the tigers bring protection from evil and illness during the new year. And so far it has worked.
Many people had come to the shrine to wish something for the new year and to add tigers for protection. I think that not many Japanese people are particularly religious, so they do not come to pray but rather to ask for health, wealth good grades, or whatever they need at the moment.
I kind of like the tigers because they are cute and it is a nice walk. Also they shrine is peaceful and has a nice garden with a lot of nice statues and trees.
On our way home we could get a nice view of Fuji-san as well. What a perfect way to start the new year!
At home again, we rested. And for dinner we had what is traditional Japanese New Year’s Day food. In old times the stores were closed for 4 days or so. This meant fresh food could not be bought during this time. So preserved food was bought and eaten during New Year.
