Happy New Year!

“Happy New Year!” is what I would like to say but it is quite difficult considering Japan has had quite the rough start especially with the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that recently occurred along an airplane collision that occurred at Haneda airport. As a result this will be quite the short blog post. Luckily, I am currently safe and I pray that the coming days will be filled with positive and happy times for everyone living in Japan. 

First thing first on the day of New Year’s I had pulled an all nighter to see the first sunrise at Mount Takao. It truly was a beautiful sight. Even though it was a regular sunrise just like any other sunrise, for some reason this one felt much more significant than any other sunrise of the year.

Following this awe-inspiring spectacle, I descended Mount Takao and made my way to the nearby Yakuoin Temple, a haven of tranquility nestled within the forested slopes. Here, amid centuries-old cedar trees, I participated in the tradition of Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. The temple grounds buzzed with energy as visitors lined up to offer prayers, purchase omamori (charms), and draw omikuji (fortune slips). The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of incense, creating an atmosphere of profound serenity. As I stood before the sacred altar, I felt a sense of renewal and optimism, a tangible connection to the spiritual essence of the new year.