I visited a local temple for what was called ‘hatsumode’. It means to visit a temple or a shrine to pray for good luck after the new year comes, and is a major event of New Year’s in Japan.
People do it during the first three days of New Year’s. Famous shrines and temples are packed with thousands of visitors. I hate a crowded place and being bound with a fixed schedule, so I go to a nearby temple at anytime in January. Before praying, you should put money in a wooden box set in front of a building. While they put a 10-yen coin, a 100-yen coin or a bill in some cases, I always put a one-yen coin and take some time to pray. Maybe I take a longer time than anyone else, praying and bowing repeatedly. Too many wishes for one yen…
Episode From Surviving in Japan by Hidemi Woods
Hidemi Woods 