Japan Celebrates New Year's Eve

HIMEJI, JAPAN - JANUARY 01: A Miko (Shrine maiden) blesses the 'Hamaya' (arrows intended to destroy evil spirits) to which 'Emas' (wooden plaques) are attached featuring a picture of a snake in celebration of the Year of the Snake at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2013 in Himeji, Japan. Japanese people visit the Buddhist temples and shrine to pray for their health, happiness and prosperity during the New Year holidays. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)