真っ暗な夜が明けると、京都の伏見稲荷大社は新年を迎える準備で賑やかになりました。

As the pitch-black night gave way to dawn, Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto became lively with preparations to welcome the New Year.

晴れた空の下、「初詣」に来る人々でいっぱいです。

Under the clear sky, the shrine was bustling with people visiting for "Hatsumode," the first shrine visit of the year.

ハルキとアイコは、この神聖な場所に訪ねました。

Haruki and Aiko visited this sacred place.

二人は早朝に家を出て、電車で京都へ向かいました。

They left their house early in the morning and headed to Kyoto by train.

駅を降りると、冷たい風が二人の頬を掠めました。

As they got off at the station, the cold wind brushed their cheeks.

山の下には、美しい朱色の鳥居が続いています。

At the base of the mountain, a beautiful line of vermilion torii gates stretched out.

「これはすごいね」とハルキが言いました。

“This is amazing,” said Haruki.

「うん、本当に綺麗」とアイコが応えます。

“Yes, it’s really beautiful,” responded Aiko.

鳥居をくぐりながら、二人は祈りの言葉を考えました。

As they passed through the torii gates, they thought of words for their prayers.

長い道のりでしたが、道が導く先が彼らを待っているような気がしました。

It had been a long journey, but they felt as if the path was guiding them to something waiting for them.

アイコは心の中で家族の健康を祈り、ハルキは新しい仕事の成功を心に思い浮かべました。

Aiko prayed for her family’s health in her heart, while Haruki thought about the success of his new job.

ついに本殿に着くと、二人は手を合わせました。

When they finally arrived at the main shrine, they put their hands together in prayer.

鈴を揺らし、神様に願いを込めました。

They shook the bells and made their wishes to the gods.

その後、おみくじを引きました。

After that, they drew omikuji fortunes.

アイコの運勢は「大吉」、ハルキの運勢は「中吉」でした。

Aiko’s fortune was "Daikichi" (great blessing), and Haruki’s was "Chukichi" (moderate blessing).

アイコは笑顔で「今年は良い年になるよ！頑張ろうね」と言いました。

Smiling, Aiko said, “This year is going to be a good one! Let's do our best.”

二人は再び鳥居をくぐり、帰りの道へ向かいました。

Once again passing through the torii gates, they headed back on their way home.

今年もこの場所に来れたことに感謝し、心が明るくなりました。

They felt grateful to visit this place again this year, and their hearts were filled with brightness.

新しい年に向けて、心強い気持ちで満たされたのです。

They were filled with a strong sense of resolve as they looked to the new year.