Our neighbourhood

It was so cold and rainy most of the day. So I didn't get to go out until Yuzuki and mum came to pick us up. Before getting in the car, Yuzuki and I went to see the temple in front of our house - it is literally across the road from our house. It is called "Saijyo-ji" I believe it is quite old. From our Japanese room (ie the room with tatami mats) we can see this temple (very Japanese ha?)





Every year we are invited to visit the temple and have some sake and ring the bell. It is a part of Japanese tradition. According to the Wikipedia:

Throughout Japan, Shinto shrines prepare amazake to pass out to crowds that gather as midnight approaches. Most have a large cast bell (see bonshō for photos) that is struck once for each of the 108 earthly desires believed to cause human suffering. The bells' tolling straddles the midnight hour, and their deep, low tones reverberate for miles through the crisp night air as they ring out the old year and ring in the new.




Unfortunately we were away during the New Year holiday while we lived in Japan. So we never got to visit the temple to experience the tradition.

There is also a little temple house where people can just drop in. In the mornings we can hear some old ladies chanting - it's quite rhythmical and peaceful.



Yuzuki smiling at the camera



I really like where our house is located. Nice old neighbourhood.



Our guard bird in the garden - Pukeko