Tokyo Meiji Jingu Shrine preparations proceeding December 31 13:33
On the 31st of Omizoka, shrines and temples around the country are preparing for the last visit to the shrine visitors.
At Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, where the largest number of people visit Hatsumode during the year, bells in the shape of the mouse of the next year's elephant and mascots such as ema are lined up in more than twice the usual space. "Miko" was preparing for the final meeting of the worshippers.
On the grounds, a large ema with a width of about 2 meters with a "rat" was displayed, and in front of the shrine there was a 400-mat tatami-sized money receiving tray.
Next year, Meiji Jingu will reach its 100th anniversary, so on the approach to the shrine there were about 30 panels that reflect on the history of the past, and visitors could watch.
Meiji Jingu expects that about 31.2 million people will visit the New Year's Day every year, and will exceed 3 million next year. At Meiji Jingu Shrine, it took about four years to replace the roofs of the main hall and other buildings, which only ended in mid-December.
Mr. Hiroyose Hirose of Negi said, "I hope you will come to the revived shrine while wishing for peace and happiness of each person in the world."