Photo of the month - Janyary 2017: Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year

Location: Tokyo
Photo by Mr Hiroyoshi Kawana
Photo taken: 01Jan 2018

Osechi Ryori, the traditional New Year's dishes that is prepared on New Year's eve. They are served in a beautiful 3 or 4-layer lacquered box, each of these carry some symbolism for peace and prosperity.

Location: Anamori inari shrine, Tokyo
Photo by Mr Hiroyoshi Kawana
Photo taken: 01Jan 2018

Hatsumode is the first visit to a shrine or temple during the first few day of the year for wishing for prosperity safety or good health.

Location: Senso ji, Tokyo
Photo by Mr Hiroyoshi Kawana
Photo taken: 02Jan 2018

Omikuji is the fortune telling paper strips can be found at shrines and temples in Japan. During the first shrine or temple visit, you must try drawing Omikuji to pick your fortune for the year.

Location: Tokyo, Haneda along the Tama River
Photo by Mr Hiroyoshi Kawana
Photo taken: 01Jan 2018

Praying to the first Sunrise of the year has become a popular practice in Japan. People gather at various viewing spots to pray for a successful year.

Location: Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
Photo by Mr Hiroyoshi Kawana
Photo taken: 02Jan 2018
Access: 5 min. walk from Asakusa station

The oldest known Buddhist temple in Tokyo dates back to 628 AD and is where the Bodhisattva Kannon deity (Goddess of Mercy and Compassion) is enshrined. The Sensoji Temple is one of the most important temples in Tokyo and the most visited temple during New Year's Day.

Location: 5min train ride from the Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Photo by: Mr Hiroyoshi Kawana
Photo taken: 01Jan 2018
Access: 3 min. walk from Anamori Inari station

Before Haneda Airport was built, this area was a fisherman's village. In 1818, the shrine was built to protect the locals from floods.