For the New Year, in addition to shimekazari, in front of the door is placed another type of decoration, a pair of kadomatsu 門松 “gate pines".

The role of kadomatsu is to be a temporary lodging for the kami of the New Year, thus bringing prosperity and good luck for family or for business. Usually, kadomatsu are made of bamboo trunks symbolizing strength and prosperity, and pine twigs symbolizing long life.

Japanese New Year Decoration, Kadomatsu, Maekawa-tei,_Mibu, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese New Year Decoration, Shimekazari