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.
