Tokyo's Meiji Shrine crowded on New Year's day

Shrines and temples across Japan are crowded with worshippers praying for good luck in the coming year.

At Tokyo's Meiji Shrine, many worshippers started queuing at around 9 PM on New Years Eve.
The famous landmark attracts the largest number of New Year's visitors of all shrines in Japan.

After a drumbeat signaled the arrival of 2010, people threw money into the offertory box and said prayers.

Some visitors bought charms to ward off bad luck, while others wrote wishes on wooden plaques.

A Tokyo couple in their 40s said so many things happened to them last year but they managed and now wish for good health in the coming year.

A 19-year-old university student from the outskirts of Tokyo said he had great luck last year, passing an entrance exam and getting a girlfriend. He said he is determined to study hard this year in order to become a physiotherapist.

Meiji Shrine officials say they expect about 3 million visitors during the first 3 days of January.