When I made my hatsumōde (first shrine visit of the year) to the Nezu Shrine this morning, it did not disappoint. New Year’s is observed with all kinds of traditions in Japan, but none were more entertaining than this troupe of beautiful women taiko drummers.
They make it look easy, but taiko drumming is a workout that would put kickboxing to shame.
As they beat out the complex rhythms, the flourishes and interaction between the players…
is almost a dance!
As you can see, I was not alone, waiting to pay my respects to the kami-sama, but it’s a cheerful and convivial crowd and the line moves fast
Amulets and charms that have been working hard all year absorbing bad luck around the house can’t just be kicked to the curb on burnable trash day. They have to be brought back to the shrine for ritual cremation.
And while New Year’s Day belongs to the Shinto shrines, New Year’s Eve is when people observe the Buddhist changing of the year. Last night, people started lining up at 11:00 to toss their coins into the offering box at Kuhonbutsu and buy their New Year’s fortunes.
Sometimes rare deity figures are allowed out on display…
as the big temple bell is rung 108 times to banish the 108 Buddhist sins, accompanied by sutra chanting.
If you’d like to experience New Year’s Japanese style the next time you’re there over the turn of the year, the best shrines and temples in Tokyo are on my website, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had.
•
If you enjoyed this, subscribe to Only In Japan! It’s freeヽ(*＾ω＾*)ﾉ
And if you know someone who’s planning a Japan trip, here are all the places I take my friends when they come to town…
•
•
Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Only In Japan 
2 thoughts on “Celebrating New Year’s, Japanese Style”