Rise and shrine

Excuse me, are you in the queue? OH, NO！BTW, Which shrine will you be going to for Hatsumode (the first visit of the year to a shrine) ? Of course the nearest one.

Chuichi Hasimura

I am fortunate , there is a very small shrine 4 doors down from where I live , it is very modest , but still very beautiful , it has everything I need except the large crowds . I go there almost every day , it is very peaceful and fulfilling . wishing you a good year of the Boar . Sincerely , Daiki desu .

I often wonder if all this praying is doing anything. Perhaps their lives would be exactly the same without it, except for spending new year's day in a cue, of course.

Looks as much fun as all the others who are stuck in traffic jams for their 'holidays'.

I don't like to gloat (too much) but in comparison there were two other families and a couple of other older locals at our local Shiga shrine we walked to after lunch yesterday. A nice log fire, free sake, mame and calligraphy for the kids - all a bonus.

Disillusioned:

I often wonder if all this praying is doing anything.

You just pray/wish/hope but never demand its result. It' not a magic or trade. It sets you in a humble, fresh, positive attitude at the beginning of a new year, every year - despite everything. Don't you realize you are not all-mighty and yet wish a happy year for your family? Shrines, temples and sunrise give you an opportunity to express such wish in Japan.