This is a weekly submission for the category involving foreigner sweethearts.

So the new year has come, as it always does, on January the first. It is a time for gathering in Japan, although overseas that occasion is favored by Christmas whereas New Year’s is just a day to watch a ball descend down a tower and have many fireworks go off (at great expense). But that is not what the topic of today will be. The topic of today will involve things to do at or after the new year.

The photo that was taken and is being used for this post was taken at Atsuta Shrine in the Nagoya area. It is one of the most popular shrines in the country and a good place to go any time of year. However, at New Year’s is is especially popular for the event known as Hatsumode, or the first temple viewing of the new year. However, it is discouraged to go on the first unless you are REALLY into it. Perhaps the 4th or 5th would be better if avoiding a massive crowd is your thing.

Thus concludes the post that I have submitted for this week.