For my first shrine visit of the year, I went to Hakone Shrine, which I also visited last autumn. The shores of Lake Ashi, welcoming the new year, were enveloped in the crisp, clear air unique to winter, and a serene stillness permeated the air. The aromas of buttered potatoes and yakisoba greeted the visitors...
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Happy New Year! For the New Year's Eve bell ringing and first shrine visit of the year, I went to Ryouunji Temple, located on the shores of Lake Sanaru, quite close to my home! This temple was founded in the 1330s during the Nanboku-cho period, approximately 700 years ago, by a grandson of Emperor Nijō...
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As we welcome the New Year, I made my annual first shrine visit to Hamamatsu Goshajinja Suwajinja in Toshimachi, Hamamatsu! This shrine was established in 1962 when the two original shrines were merged, creating the new Goshajinja Suwajinja. The current shrine building was completed in 1982, and the deities of both shrines are enshrined within a single building...
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Goshajinja Suwa Shrine Happy New Year! In order to have a better year with many people this year as well, my husband and I came to Goshajinja Suwa Shrine for our first shrine visit of the year on New Year's Day 2015! This shrine was founded in 1962...
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