Daibutsu Hiking Trail - Kita-Kamakura, Parting Shots from Kōtoku-in and Hase - Part 7

These are the last parting shots from my New Year's Daibustsu Hike. The first if of one of the guardian Nio at the entrance gate (or Nio-mon) to Kōtoku-in. The second is of a shimekezari. This New Year's wreath is hung over doorways or on doors to welcome the Shinto spirits. The third shot is of the crowded street leading up to Hase-dera Buddhist temple. It is one of the most famous temples in Kamakura and was founded in the 8th century. The last shot is of a lolly-pop that I glanced upon and quickly took a shot as I was making my way back to the Hase train station with my family.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 100, 1/1250 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 100, 1/100 sec.

Kadomatsu and other decorations...

I'm trying to catch up on some random end of year photos.  Things I should have posted and didn't get around too.  I'll start with the end of the year and see how much I can catch up on...

This set of  photographs is of New Year's decorations in Japan.  These are not by any means comprehensive, but just a few of the ones that I saw out and about town.

The first and last photos in this set I am sort of confused by.  It seems that the first is some sort of shimekazari, but I am just not sure.  It has the paper lightning, and the wreath like rope but, doesn't have the other decorations I have seen on other shimekazari.  Hmmm...

The next two photos are of a pair kadomatsu that I spotted outside a large house in the Motoazaubu area of Tokyo. I thought the pair looked like a grand decoration for a private residence.

The last photo is some sort of odd mini kodamatsu. It had many elements of a "traditional" kadomatsu, bamboo, pine branches and a plum sprig.  However, it was missing the staw.  I don't know enough about Japanese culture to be sure what it means, but it was pretty. I'll have to do more research or perhaps someone more enlightened can share their knowledge.