Winter in Japan

 Japan has four distinct seasons and each season has its own characteristic,for example cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall.  These two seasons attract most tourists to Japan,but  other two seasons summer and winter have also many attractions.

 It is midwinter in Japan now.  On the Japan sea side fall heavy snow and some snowy areas are covered 1 - 2 meters high snow,but we can enjoy various winter sports wsuch like skiing or snow boarding.  There are also many special foods in winter which tourists can eat everywhere in Japan.

 

Shogatstu and Hatsumode in Japan

 Shogatsu is the celebration of the New Year and is the most important holiday in Japan,comparable to Christmas in Western countries.  Entrance of houses and buildings are decorated with a set of pine branches and bamboo called Kadomatsu,but Shimekazari is more popular as a decoration which is a twisted straw rope with fern leaves,an orange,and other items of good fortune.  It is placed over the entrance of a house during the New Year holidays.

 Hatsumode is the first visit paid on the New Year holidays to a shrine or temple.  People pray for a long life and happiness for the year.