New Year’s Day at Hase-dera Temple

 

Located in the mountains to the south of the central Nara area, Hase-dera is a huge but quiet temple.

Many temples conduct special ceremonies or rituals typically during the first seven days of January to celebrate the coming of the New Year and pray for peace of the world. Hase-dera is not an exception.

Temple gate decorated according to the tradition of Japan

 

Stairs to the Main Hall

 

New Year’s ritual using fire

 

Flower-petal-shaped cards given to visitors during the ritual

 

Winter peonies — the cover made of straw is designed to protect flowers from snow.

Photos taken on January 1, 2020.

Information:
Address: 731-1 Hase, Sakurai, Nara

Official website (English)
https://www.hasedera.or.jp/free/?id=345

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