Hatsumode
2012年01月04日

On January 3rd I and Sumida Masanori of Yueisya visited Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社). It is the top shrine of so many “Inari (稲荷)” shrines all around Japan. And so many people visit it in Oshogatsu (お正月) to pray for their good fortunes of this year. To visit and pray in shrines or temples in Oshogatsu is Japanese tradition, that is called “Hatsumode (初詣)”

At first I and Sumida planned to climb up tnrough pillars of red Torii (鳥居) gates that lead to the peak of Inari Hill (稲荷山). This path is called “Senbon Torii (千本鳥居)” – one thousand torii gates.

But, as the picture shows, it was also so crowded that we could hardly advance. So we gave up to climb Senbon Torii. My residence is near Fushimi Inari, so there can be any chances for me to try again.
(Oda Mitsuo, YouAT/JITEN)