Happy New Year!

I've tons of things I want to achieve in 2010. As the tradition of Japan, I visited Yasaka Shrine to pray for the prosperous year.

There are lines of tables to sell special new year items of omamori (amulets), omikuji (fortune telling papers), ema (votive plaques), hamaya (arrow shaped goodluck charm), etc.

And lots of food stalls along the way. Noodles, fried chicken, tako-yaki...

After my New Year's visit, I walked through the crowds of the Shrine (West Gate) to the Shijo Dori Avenue and then to "Pontocho" for New Year's Party with friends.