Hatsumode at Ikuta shrine-Kobe

New Years is more than just a one night party as we in the West celebrate it. In Japan it begins wiwth Hatsumode, a time of prayer and togetherness. Shops are closed, people go to temple, shrine, church, to pray, give an offering, purchase good luck charms for the coming year and receive their fortune strips. 2009 is the year of the Ox, so many figurines will also be sold as well as large, public, floral arangements in that theme.
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Thursday, January 1, 2009
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