On January 1st and 2nd, the day 2024 dawned, shrines and temples in Kyoto City were crowded with New Year's visitors. On the afternoon of January 1st, an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 struck the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, and many people spent the New Year in fear. The worshipers prayed for the safety of their families and prayed for the disaster area.
Approximately 170,000 people visited Heian Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City from midnight on New Year's Eve, December 31st, until the gates closed at 7:00 p.m. the following day, January 1st. Even on January 2nd, when the weather was good, many people visited from the morning.
A 32-year-old office worker from Yokohama, who was returning home from Otsu City, visited the shrine with his wife, 7-month-old eldest daughter, and parents. He said he takes a commemorative photo at the temple grounds every New Year, and said, ''This year, there's one new member in my family,'' he said, feeling happy. He also touched on the Noto Peninsula earthquake the day before, saying, ''I want to live in preparation for disasters to protect my family.''
A 78-year-old Osaka woman from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, said, ''I hurriedly contacted an acquaintance from her hometown. I just hope everyone stays safe.''
