Do you know which animal of the Chinese Zodiac is your year? Mine is Year of the rat. In Japan people often send New Year post card featuring illustrations of the current year's animal, but you can also see them represented in other places around Japan. I found these cute statues at Shoun-ji in Machida when I visited there to enjoy plum blossoms.
Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood
I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...