2011年の初詣

初詣 (Hatsumoude) is the first shrine visit of the year for the Japanese. During the first 3 days of the New Year, Japanese pay their respect to the gods and pray for a good year ahead.

The most popular spot for Hatsumoude is Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. According to Mapple.net, a mind-boggling figure of 3.2 million people swamped to Meiji Shrine for the first 3 days of 2010.

3.2 million people! (image from mapple.net) 

And me? I think the gods are the same everywhere, up in the sky and watching over everyone with their benevolent eyes. So I went to this little shrine near my place for my Hatsumoude. 

Quaint little shrine. 

Hands have to be cleansed before paying respect to the gods. 

I will have a good year of 2011!