Shimogamo Shrine

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Awa-chan visited Shimogamo on January 15th. "Japan has more shrines than convenience stores", she says waving a long-life charm, "supposed to replace omamori each year, but it still works".

Omamori are sold at shrines, dedicated to particular kami, and provide various forms of luck. They remain sealed in order to maintain their benefits, and used charms returned to the shrine. A fresh start is made with a new omamori.

"Other hatsumōde spots are too crowded", she says referring to the first shrine visit of New Year. She throws a coin into the saisenbako, rings the bell, claps twice, and bows.