What a special treat!
My family is vacationing in Japan!
Mom, Abba, Lex and Dans arrived on December 28th, and after I worked that Saturday and Sunday, we had a 4 day holiday celebration in the old capital city of Kyoto. Evidently, we weren't the only people who thought ringing in the new year in Kyoto would be a great idea. In fact, I have never seen so many people together in all my life! The Japanese crowds were unbelievable.
As is typical Hamann-Nazaroff fashion, we started each day early, and walked about exploring the city and seeing the sites- with a minimum of 10 miles of walking a day.
Kyoto was cold! (primarily in the mid-40s and low 50s). Being out all day required down jackets, tights, hats and gloves- we even got a short snow flurry, although nothing stuck.
Although not the most beautiful time of year, the weather stayed dry and that made our explorations much more enjoyable.
The New Year's Eve offering at the temples:
Winter light:
Washing our hands and mouths before entering the Kiyomizu temple complex:
Ringing the bell at a shrine to get the attention of a god.
Bundled up and waiting in line on New Year's Eve. (At this point we had no idea what we were waiting for, but we joined the throngs of Japanese celebrants).
Just after midnight, the line we were waiting in finally reached the bell where 17 monks were chanting and tolling it. 108 times.
