In one of the first days of the new year we go to a shrine nor far from where Coco lives. This year was no exception. The only exception was that usually we walk there but the new year started with strong cold winds and we were afraid that Coco would end up like a kite so we took the car instead. We bought tigers to protect us throughout the year.
In the evening we had dinner before returning back to Tokyo.
We spent the day relaxing, walking and playing with Coco.
As usual when we are in Tokorozawa during the New Year’s celebrations we go to the fish market. And as usual the fish market is crowded. It feels a lot like “same procedure as last year James…”, if you know what I mean. But in difference to the same New Year’s show on Swedish TV the fish market is fun… Every year. Though you need sharp elbows 🙂
In the evening we had hand-rolled sushi and crab for dinner (Coco had chicken), while waiting for the new year to arrive.
After a few days in Tokorozawa with a lot of walking and a lot of good food we went back to Tokyo today. We returned late in the night to avoid most of the heavy return-to-Tokyo traffic. Still, it was a bit slow and it took about 30 minutes longer than usual.
As we returned late we spend the whole day in Tokorozawa. I took a long walk with Coco again. And we spend some time just sitting on a wood stock enjoying the sunshine. I am not sure what it is, maybe the new year, but around this time of the year the weather has, as long as I been in Japan during new year (for around 9 years now), the weather has always been great.
In the evening we had left overs and some Chinese dishes. Yummy.
Every year we also visit the shrine not far from Chie’s mother’s place. Since Coco joined the family he comes along as well. The main purpose of the walk to the shrine is to get some fresh air, some exercise and to get us each a tiger.
The tiger is protecting the “owner” throughout the year. From illness and other bad things, such as vampires and werewolves 😉
Quite a few people visit the shrines and temples in the beginning of the new year. Mainly to send some prayers to whatever god they believe in for a prosperous year without illness, or maybe to pass the entry exams for Tokyo University.
So even though we got here the first day of the year, many had already been here to get their own tiger. My guess is that in the next coming days there will be a quite a lot more tigers lined up for duty.
Once we got back home Chie went to buy some groceries. Coco took his favorite waiting position. On a chair in the living room where he can observe what is happening on the street outside. This is where he usually waits once he knows Chie and I am going to visit, sometimes days in advance 🙂
For dinner we had traditional Japanese New Year’s food. I think I wrote about this in a blog post last year as well. Basically, preserved food to last during the 4 or so days when store were closed. Maybe it doesn’t sound so nice bit it is quite tasty.