While planning my trip to Japan I was kind of disappointed that I would be here in dead of winter, and not for Hanami or any other awesome festivals that I've heard so much about. Call me stupid but I didn't know that New Years was so big here. I began to read up on things to do- most activities are traditional and meant to bring luck for the New Year. At midnight we lined up and the local shrine, made a contribution, and rang the bells. Sake was also served to everyone. Shops hang decorations over the doors and Year of the Tiger posters can be seen everywhere... oh and big inflatable tigers too! We went to 2 "End of Year" parties as well.
Inside of a cab... all lacey. The drivers wear suits.
We ran into a New Years event, making Mochi!
Its rice and water, pounded into a paste. One person adjusts the rice and the other pounds.
This is gonna be some good mochi!
At the New Years Party, we made plans to meet up with some friends the next day. Being that we were all pretty drunk, I have half expected it not to happen. But we all made it to the rendesvous point the next day, despite hangovers. We went to Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. It was a rainy day but we managed to get out to see a few things.
The Kobe Tetsujin-28, AKA Gigantor! WOO!
Really pretty, especially at night- even in the rain.
Year of the dog, thats me! I just found that out this year. I was born in 1983, which is year of the boar. But according to the Chinese calendar, the New Year for 1983 didn't happen til what we call February. So, I was actually born in 1982, which is year of the dog! Anyone with January or early February birthdays, you might want to check on yours!! The menus at Chinese restaurants don't tell you everything!
Kamiyama trying the Chinese Dancing Water Bowl. You put some water on your hands and rub the side handles. If you are good, the water will dance in the most amazing way! I didn't get any photos of it dancing though... :(
Atsuko got it going too! We all got it to go a little bit- but the hard part is KEEPING it going.
Port-side fun
PIKAAAA! *dorks* ^_^ it was a ride where you sit in the back and play a slot-type game. In the end, candy comes out! We couldn't fit in it, but we still put in money and pushed buttons.
The scariest part of the Ghost Mansion... the butter knives!!!!
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2 comments:
Great fotos, I effing love mochi!!!!!! I had it for the first time recently, absolutely magic.
I'm loving all your blog posts and photos! Yeah, New Year's is huge (which is awesome until you discover practically every restaurant is closed for 4 days :P), I'm glad you got to see all the great oshogatsu festivities. Mochi making, lucky!! I never got to do that!
Huh, I may actually be year of the dog then too, cool!
Hope you're still having a great time!
-Meghan
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