Hatsumode at Kinomiya Shrine

After visiting the Museum of Art in Atami, I visited Kinomiya Shrine. It’s a Japanese custom to visit a shrine in the new year and is called Hatsumode. This shrine is famous for the 2100 year old tree. The legend says if you walk around the tree, you will get another year of life.  I visited this shrine last year during the new year season also.

This tree is second place, as it is only 1300 years old.

The shrine grounds are not that large, but there is a lot in the wooded area.

This is the large 2100 year old tree. Of course I walked around it.

After walking around the tree, I visited the little outdoor cafe and had a wonderful ice cream under the trees.

From the cafe area, I could look down on the big tree area.

I love the Japanese customs and traditions. What a good day!