Happy New Year 2025!
Happy New Year! I hope that you and everyone around you has a happy, healthy 2025 with a lot of riding!!
Every year, I have my own tradition. I take a trip to Yasuzumi Shrine or 安住神社. It is just outside of Utsunomiya in Tochigi. I live in Tokyo. It is about 155 kilometers, or 96 miles, from my house.
It is a freezing ride. I usually leave early in the morning. I usually leave the house around 3 AM. The temperatures in Tokyo are usually right around 0° Celsius (32° F). In Tochigi, they are always below 0°. In the afternoon, the temperatures are a lot warmer. You still need winter gear but you can ride comfortably.
Every year, I ride my CRF250L. I never take the highway because I want to save money. It usually takes about 4 hours each way. That includes stops to warm up, get food, and relieve myself. I also stop to see the first sunrise.
This year. I decided to try it on a 50cc bike, or a gentsuki (原付). I rode a Honda Tact! With my CRF, I can ride the speed limit. On a 50cc bike, you are legally restricted to 30 km/h. It took me 6 hours each way. That included stops for food, warming up, and so on.
First Sunrise - 初日の出 or はつひので - I took this from a 7-11 parking lot. I stopped to get a coffee and enjoy the sunrise.
Front Torii Gate - 安住神社の鳥居
It’s the year of the snake! 巳年 or みどし
It’s not only a Motorcycle Shrine but it’s also a Helicopter Shrine.
Motorcycle Corner
The Torii Gate on the side. This is where people line up to pray.
The Shrine Gate with gold Koma-Inu.
I’m getting closer to the main shrine.
This is unique! When you do “Osaisen” (お賽銭 or おさいせん), which is to toss your coins when you pray. This shrine is special. If you get your coins in the tube, you can get extra luck for the year.
If you search Google, you can see some examples of the tubes straight on. You can try to improve your luck with sales, love, family, money, or you can just try to get more luck.
I also got a fortune slip. Usually, there is a small box shaped shaker that you shake until a stick comes out. It is called a おみくじ振り出し or おみくじふりだし. This shrine has the largest Furidashi in Japan. I did not take any photos of it this year so again, you can see some examples on Google.
This year, I got a bad luck fortune. I was devastated. I have big plans this year. I am actually a bit worried about how they will turn out. I think that I will be OK as long as I work hard!
You do not need to go here for New Year’s. You can go anytime during the year. They sell stickers that should protect your motorcycle. You can get an amulet or good luck charm. You can enjoy a great ride to Tochigi. I highly recommend visiting this shrine!
2313 Kamitakanezawa, Takanezawa, Shioya District, Tochigi 329-1224
