Let's wish for another good year to come...

Many may think that most people Japanese people are Buddhists. Beautiful temples and monks and Kyoto and all that sorts of "Japanese culture" may lure you into thinking that Japanese people practice this almost masochistic religion. If you have thought so, wrong-.

In my opinion, Japan is one of the most multi-religious country, well maybe non-religious country.

Most people do funerals in Buddhist style, but many people get married in a Christian style, but then many people go to Shinto shrine when they want something come true, but then Christmas and Valentine's is also huge... yeah in short, it's pretty messed up.

I'm not saying that Japanese people are not spiritual though. I just think that sudden flow of the Western culture after WWII and the collapse of the emperor-worship (spread by propaganda of military during war) may have been a big factor in the current situation where people cannot clearly claim their religion.

Anyways, being part of multi-religious country, I went to a Shinto shrine nearby my house to wish for a good year to come. Traditionally you should do it (it's called Hatsumoude) in the first 3 days of New Years but oh well. At least I went yeah?

Here's how to do it correctly...

 This is what a shrine looks like typically... This is rather local small one. There is a huge one where there are tens of thousands people go in New Years. I think smaller ones have better chance of getting your wishes heard.

 Before you pray though, you should wash your hands and mouth by this water. Yes, we are all dirty humans. Ya'll should get cleaned up.

 So you bow twice before the alter, throw in the coin, and shake this rope back and forth in order to....

 WAKE UP GOOOOOD to have him make your wish come true...

Now you know what to do next time you go to Shrine, that's only if you are into multi-religion.