We look forward to your continued patronage of Palaceside Building this year.
How did you spend New Year? By the calendar, a nine-day break. Some rested well; others traveled far and may still feel tired.
For the New Year, here are photos that arrived.
First,(upper) first sunrise from the Shin-Nakagawa levee in Koiwa, Edogawa Ward (Jan 1,
7:01 a.m.). Kanto enjoyed fine weather and first light nationwide—good things await.
Palaceside Building's "brother" building Midland Square before Nagoya Station, managed by Mainichi Building—Jan 1, 7:25 a.m. on the 46th-floor Sky Promenade=photo right. Central Japan's tallest at 247 m; the 46th deck (~230 m) is the highest public access. Open from 5:30 a.m.; ~1,300 came by 7 a.m. Clouds blocked sunrise, but night slowly brightening over
Nagoya lifted New Year spirits as visitors took in the cityscape.
Crowds also at Naritasan Shinshoji—second nationally after Meiji Shrine at ~3 million (2013 New Year). Still bustling on the morning of the 2nd=photo left.
Let's keep visiting shrines.
First, Kitain Temple (Kawagoe, Saitama)—alias of Kawagoe Daishi. Tendai sect; Jan 3 is Jie Daishi's memorial day, called Hatsudaishi since the new year begins. Since Edo times, daruma fairs line the grounds; now held every
Jan 3 as "Daruma Market." Daruma sold on New Year's Day and the 2nd too—quite a crowd=photo right.
Next, Ikegami Honmonji (Ota Ward)—worshippers bathed smoke from the permanent incense burner at the main hall for health=photo right.
Finally, something modest—drums. Kyuseiin Temple (Setagaya)—
"Ueyama Taiko" for ~15 minutes from midnight every New Year's Day at this small temple. Paired with neighboring Ueyama Shrine's first visit—a local tradition. A small Inari shrine without resident priest, yet summer and autumn festivals run grandly through parishioners' effort—this drum is one such endeavor=photo right. Cold! The free sweet sake was delicious.
We pray this year brings happiness to all.