As the New Year began, shrines and temples in Kyoto's Yamashiro region were bustling with worshippers making their first visit of the year from January 1st to January 2nd.

Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine (Yawata, Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture) is crowded with many worshippers visiting for the first time of the year.

At Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in Yawata, Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture, a line stretched more than 200 meters to the main hall on January 1st. An 8-meter-tall "jumbo sacred arrow" was displayed in front of the main hall, and families were buying amulets and arrow-shaped talismans, and drawing fortune slips to find out their fortunes for the year.

Worshippers praying for happiness in the new year

A 45-year-old office worker from Sapporo, Hokkaido, visiting his parents' home in Yawata City, stated his goal: "I have an important job, so I want to work hard." His second daughter (8 years old) said, "I want to avoid getting sick and stay healthy as a family."

Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine is expecting approximately 100,000 people to attend over the first three days of the New Year.