Sensō-ji Temple

On New Years Day thousands of people flock to the temples for Hatsumode, the first temple visit of the new year. After standing in the line that stretched about a mile long I payed my respects in the Buddhist temple by throwing yen coins into the collecting pool and then exited to receive my fortune (I got a good fortune with future blessings). Outside the temple area are stalls with every type of sweet treat or savory dish you could imagine or not want to imagine. Definitely a new way to start off the year. Photo taken January 1st with Alison Scruggs holding the flag.