Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The last day of the New Year celebrations at Meiji Jingu, a major Shinto shrine in central Tokyo, witnessed the usual congestion of worshippers at this legendary site despite the corona pandemic warnings to avoid close gatherings and leave distances among people.

Meiji Jingu traditionally attracts about 3 million visitors during the first three days of January.

Masked worshippers were seen keeping a meter apart from one another as they lined up in front of the worship hall to toss coins into a giant makeshift offering box.

Some visitors told local media they came to pray that the pandemic will be contained.

Many police officers were at hand to manage the crowds in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus.

The altar of the sanctuary, in front of which worshippers usually pray and extend offerings, was not accessible. Instead, an installation with large white tarpaulins strewn with coins separated the worshippers from the altar.

The only business run by the shrine organization that is allowed is the sale of protective amulets and Omikujis, divinatory predictions that every devotee can discover once they have purchased them.