On January 1st and 2nd, 2025, shrines and temples in Kyoto Prefecture were crowded with people making their first visit of the year. At Heian Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, worshippers clasped their hands together and made New Year's resolutions, praying for happiness in the coming year.
About 180,000 people visited Heian Shrine from the night of December 31st, New Year's Eve, to January 1st. On January 2nd, worshippers formed long lines, and the shrine was lively with families and tourists taking photos and munching on food from nearby stalls. A 6-year-old boy from Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, said, "I was happy to get the Daikichi fortune in my fortune-telling slip. I'll be in the first grade of elementary school from April, so I'll study hard."
On the other hand, the Noto Peninsula earthquake occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture on New Year's Day in 2024, and heavy rains hit the affected areas in September. An 80-year-old man from Kyoto City's Fushimi Ward said, "Last year was a difficult year with major damage occurring in Noto. When I visited the shrine today, I expressed my hope for a speedy recovery."
