Quick introduction about the new year in Japan

In front of the gates on New Year

My dad passed away on the 8th of January, 2009.
In Japan, people usually go into mourning a year when their parent died. So my family did, which means no special meal for the New Year. No New Year greeting.


We spent our time whatever we wanted to.
So did our fur daughter.

We spent three days at my mother's house. After we got back, we visited Takahata-Fudo temple.

Takahata Fudo temple

washing your hands and rinse your mouth
(to cleanse before getting in the temple)

What are they doing?
They are doing................

incense
(Feel the smoke, then your weak points are gonna be healed? It's said.)

in front of Dainichi-do, or the hall where a statue is placed.

To tell the truth,

My main purpose was to see Mr. Hijikata, and to eat the New Year Udon.

Hijikata, Toshizo

"the Kaiun-udon"
(or a good luck Udon)

On a happy occasion, we often eat gold!
(it's good for your health, too!)

I was invited to the martial arts demonstration, which is Satolela papa studies.

The first demonstration after turning of the year

He looked serious.
Of course, he should!!

And at the last, my niece participated in a coming-of-age ceremony. She has become 20 years old. So she is admitted as an adult in Japan.

My niece in Japanese Kimono

Well, I think I wrote almost everything what our new year was like.

written by Arwen