Japan Diaries 4: Day 427

Japan Diaries 4: Day 427

Day 427: January 2, 2023

Monday – Hatsunode in Wakayama

It's a cloudy morning here in Kumatori
It's a cloudy morning here in Kumatori (熊取町)

My wife prepared breakfast for everybody
My wife prepared breakfast for everybody

This morning greeted us with a blanket of clouds, and the weather forecast predicted a slight chance of rain. We felt a bit anxious because today, we were set to partake in another Japanese New Year tradition, which primarily takes place outdoors. It's called hatsumode, the year's first temple or shrine visit.

I was able to register my SIM Card before the deadline
I was able to register my SIM Card before the deadline

While waiting for everyone to get ready, I managed to register my Philippine SIM card, complying with the new law in the Philippines.

Off to Wakayama for us after breakfast
Off to Wakayama for us after breakfast

Kokawadera Chumon (中門)
Kokawadera Chumon (中門)

Mr. Toshi explained to Ella several traditions when they do hatsumode
Mr. Toshi explained to Ella several traditions when they do hatsumode

Like Mr. Toshi's family, we also offered some prayers and paid respects
Like Mr. Toshi's family, we also offered some prayers and paid respects

Kokawadera
Kokawadera

粉河産土神社
Kokawa Ubusuna Shrine

Once we were all set, we drove to Kinokawa City (紀の川市) in Wakayama Prefecture to visit Kokawadera. This marks the second time my family has joined the Kameyama family in their annual hatsumode at this historic temple. Despite the ominous clouds, the rain held off, much to our relief.

Team Nicerio visits Kokawadera
Team Nicerio visits Kokawadera

I got the goshuin from Kokawadera
I got the goshuin from Kokawadera

Inside Kokawadera, we performed the anzan kigan ritual for my pregnant wife and the go-kita for the Kameyama family. Afterward, we rang the temple bell and I collected my goshuin, a cherished temple seal.

There were some food stalls on the temple grounds so we decided to buy some
There were some food stalls on the temple grounds so we decided to buy some

Ella tried the dorayaki while I tried the takosenbei
Ella tried the dorayaki while I tried the takosenbei

交通安全御守護
Mr. Toshi and his wife gave us this Traffic Safety Guard (交通安全御守護) amulet

Before heading home, we picked up some Dorayaki and takosenbei for the journey back. It was a bit of a drive, but the snacks made it enjoyable.

I don't know if Yomo was excited to see us again
I don't know if Yomo was excited to see us again

Mr. Toshi made ramen for dinner

Itadakimasu!
Itadakimasu!

That evening, Mr. Toshi prepared ramen, and as a fan of his cooking, I must say it was the best ramen I've ever had. It was the perfect meal to cap off a wonderful day.


Read more: 

Japan Diaries 4: Week 62

Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 62

Japan Diaries 4: Day 430

Kokawadera

Kokawadera Revisited 2023

First Timer's Guide to Goshuin

10 Things to Do in Kinokawa City


Japan Diaries 4: Summary

Location: Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan

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