Thousands of people gathered at Tokyo’s iconic Meiji Shrine on Thursday morning (January 1) to offer prayers for the New Year.

The New Year is one of Japan’s most important holidays, with many visiting shrines to toss coins and make wishes for health, happiness, and success in the year ahead.

For 55-year-old Tokyo resident Kenichiro Tashiro, Thursday marked his first New Year’s shrine visit in several years.

"The weather is amazing today, isn’t it? I prayed with a really refreshed feeling, hoping that I can spend this year safely and happily. I live in Tokyo, but honestly, I haven’t done a formal shrine visit on New Year’s Day for such a long time. I’m really glad I came today," Tashiro said.

Meanwhile, Yuto Takeo hoped his visit would help him earn a promotion at work this year.

"I feel like this year is the one where I really want to go for it," Takeo said.

-Production: Joseph Campbell, Ryota Nomura/Reuters