Shinto priests proceed to one of altars for new year's prayer under snow fall at the Kamigamo shrine in Kyoto, Japan, Sunday, Jan. 7 2007.

Kyoto, former capital of the country for over 1200 years, retains thousands temples and shrines and local residence of centuries old as well as life style of tradition.

Throughout the first two weeks of the new year, the city shows spirit and legacy of tradition they have long protected.

(AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)