Happy New Year.
2025 was my zodiac year, and I’m grateful for everything it brought.
I hope that 2026 will continue to be a wonderful year.
We enjoyed traditional New Year’s osechi dishes together as a family.
On our way to the first shrine visit of the year with my family, we always see a local lumber shop displaying a painting of the zodiac animal. They create a new one every year.
The approach to the shrine is lined with food stalls.
Every year, we buy a hamaya (a traditional Japanese protective arrow).
Tokyo Tower, a powerful spiritual spot
Zojoji Temple, another well-known power spot in Tokyo
I visited the shrine last year as well.
This year, I prayed again and also dedicated an ema (a wooden votive plaque).
By the time we headed home, the sky was glowing with the evening sunset.
