Hatsumode @ Yoyogi Hachiman, Meiji Shrine: Jan. 3, 2011

Many Japanese people visit shrines at the beginning of a year. It is called Hatsmode.

I visited two shrines today. They were Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine and Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Yoyogi Hachiman celebrate 800 anniversary this year. It is one of Tokyo’s oldest and well known shrines. Several hundreds people were making a line in front of the main building.

Meiji Jingu Shrine has only about 100-year history as it was built by the Meiji government. But it is huge and is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. The shrine is surrounded by deep woods.

Millions of people visit Meiji Shrine for Hatsumode every year.

The road to the main road was so crowded. Tens of thousands of people were making a line heading to the main building when I arrived there. Policemen called that it would take at least two hours to proceed to the main building and I gave up.

I passed Yoyogi Park on the way Yoyogi Hachiman to Meiji Jingu Shrine. People enjoyed kiteflying. Two men were making soap bubbles. Many children were enjoying it.