This bonfire at a local shrine was the place for people to symbolically let go of the past year and start the New Year fresh... the fire is fueled by last year's good luck charms etc. Other traditions include a thorough cleaning of the house, meeting with family, and making "mochi" [sticky rice cakes]. The following morning I went with friends to climb a nearby mountain and see the first sunrise of the year. It seems that not everyone follows the traditions these days, but many still do. I consider myself lucky to have experienced the low-key but meaningful traditional Japanese New Years.