Hatsumoude (The first visit to shrine in the New Year)

Yesterday I went to “Hatsumoude” with my friends. Hatsumoude means the first visit to the Shinto shrine in the new year, people pray for the happy year, other wishes for the new year. My purpose was praying for the health of my friend, the success of the surgery and the quick recovery of my dear LJ friend Vera :). It was a small, plain shrine in the residential area at the center of Kanagawa prefecture but the oldest shrine in Kanagawa, they say. So, I hope our Japanese old spirit will help you, Vera, good luck!!