Asia Images / John Lander Photography

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
163 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Japanese New Years cuisine is called osechi-ryori, and consists of many different kinds of dishes.  Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a few days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature. Colorful osechi-ryori dishes are packed in layers of lacquer boxes, called jubako.  Each dish and type of food in osechi has meaning, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life...
    osechi-ryori-1.jpg
  • Japanese New Years cuisine is called osechi-ryori, and consists of many different kinds of dishes.  Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a few days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature. Colorful osechi-ryori dishes are packed in layers of lacquer boxes, called jubako.  Each dish and type of food in osechi has meaning, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life...
    osechi-ryori-2.jpg
  • Japanese New Years cuisine is called osechi-ryori, and consists of many different kinds of dishes.  Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a few days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature. Colorful osechi-ryori dishes are packed in layers of lacquer boxes, called jubako.  Each dish and type of food in osechi has meaning, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life...
    osechi-ryori-3.jpg
  • Japanese New Years cuisine is called osechi-ryori, and consists of many different kinds of dishes. Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a few days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature. Colorful osechi-ryori dishes are packed in layers of lacquer boxes, called jubako. Each dish and type of food in osechi has meaning, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life...
    osechi-ryori-23.jpg
  • Japanese New Years cuisine is called osechi-ryori, and consists of many different kinds of dishes. Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a few days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature. Colorful osechi-ryori dishes are packed in layers of lacquer boxes, called jubako. Each dish and type of food in osechi has meaning, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life...
    osechi-ryori-22.jpg
  • Japanese New Years cuisine is called osechi-ryori, and consists of many different kinds of dishes. Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a few days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature. Colorful osechi-ryori dishes are packed in layers of lacquer boxes, called jubako. Each dish and type of food in osechi has meaning, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life...
    osechi-ryori-20.jpg
  • Making Mochi Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape. In Japan it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki. While also eaten all year round, mochi is a traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time.
    new-years-mochi-1.jpg
  • Making Mochi Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape. In Japan it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki. While also eaten all year round, mochi is a traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time.
    new-years-mochi-2.jpg
  • 37. Washoku  和食 traditional Japanese cuisine has drawn attention from all over the world for being healthy, decorative and delicious.  It is simultaneously both simple yet complicated, plain yet sophisticated with an emphasis on artful presentation.  Seasonal specialties play an important role in Japanese cuisine.  Preparation involves maximizing natural flavors of the ingredients, while enhancing its beauty through artful presentation.  The most accessible version of this cuisine for most Japanese is the New Years feast.
    37.INTANGIBLE-WASHOKU-06.jpg
  • 37. Washoku  和食 traditional Japanese cuisine has drawn attention from all over the world for being healthy, decorative and delicious.  It is simultaneously both simple yet complicated, plain yet sophisticated with an emphasis on artful presentation.  Seasonal specialties play an important role in Japanese cuisine.  Preparation involves maximizing natural flavors of the ingredients, while enhancing its beauty through artful presentation.  The most accessible version of this cuisine for most Japanese is the New Years feast.
    37.INTANGIBLE-WASHOKU-02.jpg
  • 37. Washoku  和食 traditional Japanese cuisine has drawn attention from all over the world for being healthy, decorative and delicious.  It is simultaneously both simple yet complicated, plain yet sophisticated with an emphasis on artful presentation.  Seasonal specialties play an important role in Japanese cuisine.  Preparation involves maximizing natural flavors of the ingredients, while enhancing its beauty through artful presentation.  The most accessible version of this cuisine for most Japanese is the New Years feast.
    37.INTANGIBLE-WASHOKU-01.jpg
  • Japanese New Years cuisine is called osechi-ryori, and consists of many different kinds of dishes.  Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a few days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature. Colorful osechi-ryori dishes are packed in layers of lacquer boxes, called jubako.  Each dish and type of food in osechi has meaning, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life...
    osechi-ryori-06.jpg
  • Japanese New Years cuisine is called osechi-ryori, and consists of many different kinds of dishes.  Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a few days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature. Colorful osechi-ryori dishes are packed in layers of lacquer boxes, called jubako.  Each dish and type of food in osechi has meaning, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life...
    osechi-ryori-05.jpg
  • Japanese New Years cuisine is called osechi-ryori, and consists of many different kinds of dishes.  Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a few days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature. Colorful osechi-ryori dishes are packed in layers of lacquer boxes, called jubako.  Each dish and type of food in osechi has meaning, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life...
    osechi-ryori-04.jpg
  • Shimekazari, Japanese New Year Decorations - For hanging on the front door, there is the shimekazari, which varies from region to region but always contains many auspicious ingredients. There is usually a small folding fan on top representing the your generating plenty of descendants, an orange which means generation after generation, and a small lobster  who with their bent backs represent attaining old age. There is also some red and white folded shide paper which is effective for preventive impurities from entering the house.
    japanese-new-year-2.jpg
  • Shimekazari, Japanese New Year Decorations - For hanging on the front door, there is the shimekazari, which varies from region to region but always contains many auspicious ingredients. There is usually a small folding fan on top representing the your generating plenty of descendants, an orange which means generation after generation, and a small lobster  who with their bent backs represent attaining old age. There is also some red and white folded shide paper which is effective for preventive impurities from entering the house.
    shimekazari-2.jpg
  • Shimekazari, Japanese New Year Decorations - For hanging on the front door, there is the shimekazari, which varies from region to region but always contains many auspicious ingredients. There is usually a small folding fan on top representing the your generating plenty of descendants, an orange which means generation after generation, and a small lobster  who with their bent backs represent attaining old age. There is also some red and white folded shide paper which is effective for preventive impurities from entering the house.
    shimekazari-5.jpg
  • Shimekazari, Japanese New Year Decorations - For hanging on the front door, there is the shimekazari, which varies from region to region but always contains many auspicious ingredients. There is usually a small folding fan on top representing the your generating plenty of descendants, an orange which means generation after generation, and a small lobster  who with their bent backs represent attaining old age. There is also some red and white folded shide paper which is effective for preventive impurities from entering the house.
    shimekazari-4.jpg
  • Japanese New Year Decorations with shadows.
    japanese-new-year-1.jpg
  • Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape. In Japan it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki. While also eaten all year round, mochi is a traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time.
    mochi-6.jpg
  • Shimekazari, Japanese New Year Decorations - For hanging on the front door, there is the shimekazari, which varies from region to region but always contains many auspicious ingredients. There is usually a small folding fan on top representing the your generating plenty of descendants, an orange which means generation after generation, and a small lobster  who with their bent backs represent attaining old age. There is also some red and white folded shide paper which is effective for preventive impurities from entering the house.
    shimekazari-1.jpg
  • Oiso Sagicho Bonfire - Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-46.jpg
  • Oiso Sagicho Bonfire - Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-39.jpg
  • Oiso Sagicho Saito Dharma - Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-35.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-34.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-31.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-18.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-15.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-13.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-12.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-10.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-11.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-05.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-01.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-38.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-30.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-19.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-17.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-14.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-09.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-04.jpg
  • Yanna Gokko Karimiya at Oiso Sagicho - Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-03.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-02.jpg
  • Oiso Sagicho Bonfire - Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-40.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-33.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-32.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-16.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-08.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-06.jpg
  • Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-07.jpg
  • Japanese Decorative Cabbage - one of the few countries in the world to breed different types of cabbage for the sake of decorations, usually yellow or blue, these cabbage are often used as New Year decorations in Japan.
    decorative-cabbage-01.jpg
  • Japanese Tea Garden Pagoda in San Francisco, California is a historical Japanese-style garden originally built as the Japanese Village for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition. Japanese immigrant and gardener Makoto Hagiwara designed the bulk of the garden and was officially appointed caretaker in 1894 until the hysteria surrounding World War II. In the years to follow, many Hagiwara family treasures were liquidated from the gardens, but new additions were also made. Today, the Tea Garden is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, featuring beautiful monuments, bridges, native Japanese plants and ponds. Guests can also enjoy the service at the tea house and gift shop.
    golden-gate-tea-6.jpg
  • Dekotora is an abbreviation for decoration truck.  These gaudy, tricked-up trucks are usually found in rural areas of Japan that make much of cars, trucks and vehicles.  Though artistically decorated trucks and buses can be found outside Japan, what sets the Japanese version apart is the inspiration, level of expertise and finish on the lighting apparatus and paint jobs.  They are usually best viewed when illuminated, thanks to flashy lights, neon, ultraviolet lights and strobes.  Occasionally they are even fitted with fancy interiors, with chandeliers and other paraphernalia to give them an added panache.  These unique trucks first came onto the scene in the 1970s, with the Japanese movie “Trucker Guys” and have morphed ever since into new creative and increasingly-flashy designs over the years.  Some follow historical themes, while others show an interest in animals, tigers and dragons being favorites.  Even some video games have taken on the theme of dekotora, with trucks becoming heroes or villains.
    dekatoro-10.jpg
  • Dekotora is an abbreviation for decoration truck.  These gaudy, tricked-up trucks are usually found in rural areas of Japan that make much of cars, trucks and vehicles.  Though artistically decorated trucks and buses can be found outside Japan, what sets the Japanese version apart is the inspiration, level of expertise and finish on the lighting apparatus and paint jobs.  They are usually best viewed when illuminated, thanks to flashy lights, neon, ultraviolet lights and strobes.  Occasionally they are even fitted with fancy interiors, with chandeliers and other paraphernalia to give them an added panache.  These unique trucks first came onto the scene in the 1970s, with the Japanese movie “Trucker Guys” and have morphed ever since into new creative and increasingly-flashy designs over the years.  Some follow historical themes, while others show an interest in animals, tigers and dragons being favorites.  Even some video games have taken on the theme of dekotora, with trucks becoming heroes or villains.
    dekatoro-4.jpg
  • Dekotora is an abbreviation for decoration truck.  These gaudy, tricked-up trucks are usually found in rural areas of Japan that make much of cars, trucks and vehicles.  Though artistically decorated trucks and buses can be found outside Japan, what sets the Japanese version apart is the inspiration, level of expertise and finish on the lighting apparatus and paint jobs.  They are usually best viewed when illuminated, thanks to flashy lights, neon, ultraviolet lights and strobes.  Occasionally they are even fitted with fancy interiors, with chandeliers and other paraphernalia to give them an added panache.  These unique trucks first came onto the scene in the 1970s, with the Japanese movie “Trucker Guys” and have morphed ever since into new creative and increasingly-flashy designs over the years.  Some follow historical themes, while others show an interest in animals, tigers and dragons being favorites.  Even some video games have taken on the theme of dekotora, with trucks becoming heroes or villains.
    dekatoro-2.jpg
  • Dekotora is an abbreviation for decoration truck.  These gaudy, tricked-up trucks are usually found in rural areas of Japan that make much of cars, trucks and vehicles.  Though artistically decorated trucks and buses can be found outside Japan, what sets the Japanese version apart is the inspiration, level of expertise and finish on the lighting apparatus and paint jobs.  They are usually best viewed when illuminated, thanks to flashy lights, neon, ultraviolet lights and strobes.  Occasionally they are even fitted with fancy interiors, with chandeliers and other paraphernalia to give them an added panache.  These unique trucks first came onto the scene in the 1970s, with the Japanese movie “Trucker Guys” and have morphed ever since into new creative and increasingly-flashy designs over the years.  Some follow historical themes, while others show an interest in animals, tigers and dragons being favorites.  Even some video games have taken on the theme of dekotora, with trucks becoming heroes or villains.
    dekatoro-8.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-16.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-14.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-08.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-07.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-04.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-03.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-20.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-17.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-13.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-10.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-09.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-06.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-05.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-19.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-18.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-12.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-11.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-02.jpg
  • Miko Shinto Priest Assistants - Miko is a Japanese term that in ancient times meant female shaman or shamaness or even prophet or priestess.  In more recent times, the term has come to mean "shrine maiden" that is a girl who serves as an assistant at Shinto shrines.
    miko.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    Koshogatsu-13.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    Koshogatsu-14.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    Koshogatsu-8.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    Koshogatsu-7.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    Koshogatsu-5.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-30.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-28.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-25.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-22.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    Koshogatsu-24.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    Koshogatsu-15.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    Koshogatsu-3.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-26.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-27.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-23.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-01.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-29.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-24.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-21.jpg
  • Enoshima Koshogatsu Matsuri Mikoshi -  Koshigatsu or Little New Year celebrates the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of January. The main events of Koshogatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and rice gruel with azuki beans or bean paste  is traditionally eaten in the morning. New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine (they are normally never re-used for the following year).  One of the more popular activities is organized by local shinto shrines, involving a winter matsuri festival. Local men carry the mikoshi portable shrine into the ocean after firing themselves up with sake, then bring the mikoshi back to the shrine.  This ritual is most famously celebrated in Enoshima, near Kamakura, which draws thousands of spectators to the beach to participate in and watch the fundoshi loincloth men carry the mikoshi into the ocean, and back again.  It is a form of ritual cleansing and a way to brace onself for the new year.
    enoshima-matsuri-15.jpg
  • Kadomatsu usually consists of 3 bamboo stems which represent heaven, earth, and man; pine branches, and a plum. They are all bound together and placed at each side of the main gate to a house, shop, or building and are believed to act as yorishoro, poles or antennae on which the gods can descend. Pines, which are evergreen, represent long life, and plum is the earliest blooming flowering tree of the year, resistant to cold. Bamboo grows strong, straight and tall making them auspicious. Placing Kado Matsu at the doorway ensures that the Toshigami can find your house without confusion.
    kadomatsu-04.jpg
  • Miko Shinto Priest Assistants - Miko is a Japanese term that in ancient times meant female shaman or shamaness or even prophet or priestess.  In more recent times, the term has come to mean "shrine maiden" that is a girl who serves as an assistant at Shinto shrines.
    meiji-jingu-shrine-3.jpg
  • 37. Washoku  和食 traditional Japanese cuisine has drawn attention from all over the world for being healthy, decorative and delicious.  It is simultaneously both simple yet complicated, plain yet sophisticated with an emphasis on artful presentation.  Seasonal specialties play an important role in Japanese cuisine.  Preparation involves maximizing natural flavors of the ingredients, while enhancing its beauty through artful presentation.  The most accessible version of this cuisine for most Japanese is the New Years feast.
    37.INTANGIBLE-WASHOKU-05.jpg
  • The Koto is the national instrument of Japan.  The body is made of kiri wood (Paulownia tomentosa). The strings are strung over 13 movable bridges along the width of the instrument. Players can adjust the pitch by moving bridges before playing, using three finger picks (thumb, index finger and middle finger) to pluck the strings.  A plectrum is also used to play the koto. Koto performances and koto music is usually associated with New Years for its sooting tones.
    koto-performance-03.jpg
  • The Koto is the national instrument of Japan.  The body is made of kiri wood (Paulownia tomentosa). The strings are strung over 13 movable bridges along the width of the instrument. Players can adjust the pitch by moving bridges before playing, using three finger picks (thumb, index finger and middle finger) to pluck the strings.  A plectrum is also used to play the koto. Koto performances and koto music is usually associated with New Years for its sooting tones.
    koto-performance-02.jpg
Next