New year - new beginnings

January 1 is a very auspicious day in Japan and traditionally believed to be representative for the whole year ahead. Therefore, the day is supposed be full of joy and free of stress and anger, while everything should be clean and no work should be done.

It is a tradition to visit a shrine or temple during the first three days of the year  (hatsumode). So, today’s picture is the rat from Ikuta Shrine. It was quite an achievement getting a picture of him without hoards of people in the shot!

Wishing everyone a year filled with good health, happiness and love.