Walked to the local Shinto shrine after midnight to welcome the new year (pics)
Although the temp was near zero, we walked about 5-10 minutes to the local Shinto shrine in the village. Lots of people there from the town. The festivities go all night and through tomorrow.
Before taking the stairs to the shrine to pray, you first wash your hands....
Then it's up the stairs...
Then you pray...
Then you warm yourself by the fire because it is *#@&%* freezing!!!....
Awesome drums!
Happy New Year, everyone!
