Shinto Shrine visiting in Jan, 2025 🇯🇵⛩️

Yesterday marked a significant change as I embraced the New Year by visiting Hatsumode on January 1. I made my way to a nearby shrine, where I was touched to see so many people gathered to pay their respects. It’s a lovely 20-minute bike ride, and upon arriving, I was greeted by the magnificent sight of a 1,000-year-old camphor tree standing tall in the shrine's grounds. Gazing at its sturdy trunk, I felt a deep sense of hope; I wish to grow as resilient and strong as that tree by 2025, facing whatever challenges come my way. After my visit, I was fortunate to enjoy some delicious sake, which felt like a warm blessing as I entered this new year.

昨日は日が替わって、1月1日に初詣に行ってきました。近所の神社に行ったのですが、行ったときには既に多くの人が参拝に来ていました。自転車に乗って、20分ぐらいに場所なのですが、神社の境内には樹齢1000年の楠があります。大きな幹を見ていると、私もこの楠のように大きく困難にも負けず、大きく育つ2025年にしたいなと思います。参拝の後に頂いた御神酒が美味しかったです。