For most communities the New Year began with the first full moon of the first month.
It was customary to eat 'azuki-gayu' (小豆粥), a rice gruel mixed with red adzuki beans, for health and to exorcise evil spirits.
Red was considered a protective colour, especially against disease.
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Hanging scroll at Torin-in.
Torin-in is typically closed to the public and is a functioning temple, meaning most of the food is prepared by the monks that live and work here.
The front garden of Torin-in, sprinkled with snow.
Azuki-gayu, a gruel of rice mixed with red beans.
