Usokae Bullfinch Exchange

Kameido Tenjin Shrine will be holding its most renown ritual—Usokae—again this year, as it has for the past two centuries. The ritual centers around a bullfinch, a type of bird associated with bringing luck. Wooden bullfinch figurines acquired last year are exchanged for new ones, which will renew blessings of luck, happiness and prosperity for the upcoming year. If you’re looking for a traditional and uniquely Japanese way to “ring out the old, ring in the new”, this is a good place to start.

(Adriana Paradiso)