Happy New Year 2015! As soon as the New Year started, I went to Yahiko Shrine for my annual early morning New Year's visit, saying "I'm sleepy~" and "It's cold~" (^^)/.
Yahiko Shrine attracts the first and second largest number of worshippers in Niigata Prefecture. The shrine has a long history and is mentioned in the Manyoshu (Anthology of Myriad Leaves).
The time was 5am on New Year's Day. It was very quiet.
It was a relief that there was not as much snow as expected. Part of the approach is under construction and you have to go a long way from the car park, but that's nothing to worry about if you consider it part of the New Year's visit to the shrine.
The car park is here.
It's New Year's Day, but at 5am there was plenty of room to park near this torii gate.
The stairs can be a bit slippery, so take care!
Take the long way round to the first torii.
It is still recommended to see the lanterns when it is dark!
To the hand-watering trough.
The sacred rope is burnt at the place where the rope is burnt. Warm and hot (*^^*)
In front of the shrine. The climbers were dressed in the most colourful clothes ♬♬Yahiko can be climbed with boots...
Take a side road to the shrine office.
To receive prayers, enter through the shrine office.
In the waiting room, there was an information about the 'Letter in 10 years' project. It can be sent out if you pay a dedication fee.
I have to apply for this!
I was prayed for safely and now I can live well for the rest of the year!
A glimpse towards the regent's shrine. The atmosphere was quite magical!
The application for the 'Letter in 10 years' project mentioned earlier was accepted near the amulet distribution point. I paid the dedication fee and completed the application. I am looking forward to seeing what my family will think of the letter 10 years from now!
The number of worshippers gradually increased at 6am.
The Abe family's first visit to the shrine is over! I'm going home now and going to sleep again! May this New Year be a happy and prosperous one for all of you!
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