Buddhist monks collect alms

Buddhist monks have gone from house to house asking for alms in Kyoto, western Japan, as part of their winter asceticism practice.

On Wednesday at the sound of a trumpet shell, 60 monks of the Sanzen-in temple began calling on homes and shops in the ancient capital city.

They begged for food and money, reciting sutras in the freezing cold and praying for people's good health in the coming year.

A shop owner says he made an offering out of appreciation for his family's good health this year and to wish for a recovery from the business slump during the next year.

Collected funds will be donated to NHK's year-end charity and other campaigns