Beginning of Spring

The weather on the 1st of April in Otaru was fit for the beginning of the new school and business year.
It seemed to herald the brilliant spring.

I went to Sumiyoshi Shinto Shrine, Otaru's guardian deity on the spur of the moment as it was such a pleasant sunny day, and I remembered that I did not pay a visit to the shrine known as "Hatsumode" that is a custom many of the Japanese do on the New Year's Day to pray for their happiness and health for the year.

The visitors were sparse, and I enjoyed the tranquility at the grounds of the shrine very much.

I appreciated the deity what I am alive and leading my ordinary life without a hitch every day.

Children from a nearby nursery were playing in the approach.

I felt invigorated by their liveliness.