Today, however, it has become more common to visit the larger and more famous shrines or temples regardless of their location. So many people go for hatsumode late at night on New Year's Eve that many train lines offer 24 hour service. People waiting in line for their turn to pray. I was very surprised to see so many people at the shrine because it is a small local shrine and deserted for the better part of the year. People warming themselves at a bonfire.
People serving hatsumode visitors amazake.
Amazake is a thik, white beverage made from rice Even though it is called sake, it contains almost no alcohol. A picture of people paying hatsumode visit at Kuonji temple in Yamanashi prefecture. This is definitely one of my favorite temples. A huge bell at Kuonji temple. Monks explaining the history of this temple.