The Chinese zodiac is essentially a combination of the ten signs of the zodiac and the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac.
The twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac are: Kou, B, C, D, Ching, Boshi, M, Kung, Sein, Spin, Im, and Gye. By combining the two, the calendar can be expressed in 60 different ways, from "Ki" (the first sign of the Chinese zodiac) to "Mizu-no-Toi" (the second sign of the Chinese zodiac).
Based on this thinking, the Chinese zodiac sign for 2025 is precisely "Kinotomi" (乙巳).
The number "B" in the Chinese zodiac represents the elements of wood and yin in the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin-yang and the five elements, and has the connotation of plants growing in a flexible manner.
On the other hand, the "snake" of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, or the serpent, has long been considered an auspicious creature. For example, the snake's strong life force and repeated shedding of its skin has become a symbol of fertility and rebirth. It is also often worshipped as the god of money.
Thus, if we look at the meaning of "Otomi", we can say that 2025 will be the year in which "things will come to fruition through hard work and preparation". Take this opportunity to visit temples and shrines associated with snakes and pray that your goals for the year will come to fruition.

Mimuroto-dera Temple, founded in 770, is the 10th temple of the Saigoku Sanjusankosho Kannon Sacred Shrine. It is also one of the most famous flower temples in Kyoto, and is especially known as "Ajisai-dera" because of its beautiful hydrangea garden. The name of the Jataibashi Bridge at the entrance of the temple comes from a folk tale about a crab that slays a snake in return for a favor. According to a later story, a wooden statue of Ugajin was dedicated to the snake as a memorial service.

In honor of this legend, a stone statue of Ugajin sits in front of the main hall. Ugajin has the head of an old man and the body of a snake, and is believed to be a god of fortune and money. The tail of the snake is said to bring money and the beard of the old man is said to bring good health and longevity, so be sure to touch them. If you get an amulet of Ugajin, you will be able to acquire even better luck.

Otoyo Shrine was built in the Heian period (794-1185) to pray for the healing of Emperor Uda's illness. The shrine is also known as "Komanezumi-no-sha" (Shrine of Komainazumi) because of the presence of komainazumi (guardian rats) in the Okuni-sha, the last shrine. In addition, there are komainaru (guardian monkeys), komatobi (guardian steeplejacks), and komain foxes at the other shrines on the shrine grounds. The shrine is believed to bring good health, good fortune, longevity, academic success, matchmaking, and safe childbirth.

The main shrine enshrines Sukunahikono-no-mikoto, who presides over medicine and medical treatment. Standing in front of him are two guardian snakes. They are black and white and symbolize health, longevity, rejuvenation, and money. The shrine also offers a snake charm and omikuji (omikuji fortune) as gifts to commemorate your visit to the temple.

Ota Shrine, said to be the oldest shrine in the Kamigamo area, is a branch of Kamigamo Shrine. The shrine enshrines Ame-no-Uzume-no-mikoto as its deities, and is said to be blessed with longevity and good fortune, as well as good luck in the performing arts. The Ootanosawa area, which stretches across the shrine's grounds, is home to a cluster of kakitsubata (potherb mustard) flowers that come into bloom around May every year.

Let's stop for a moment in front of the torii gate on the approach to the temple. If you look to the right of the stone bridge over the creek, you will see a stone called "Janomakura," or "snake pillow. Snakes have long been said to be creatures that bring rain, and since they used the stone as a pillow, it is also called "janomakura-ishi," or "stone for praying for rain," and was used to pray for rain. It is a real pleasure to visit the shrine while thinking about the customs of ancient times.

Genbu Shrine, a Shinto shrine in the northern part of Kyoto, is the birthplace of the "Yasurai Festival," one of the three major festivals in Kyoto. At the Genbu Yasuraisai held every year on the second Sunday of April, people enter a hanagasa (parasol) in a procession to ward off plague and evil spirits. The festival has been passed down from generation to generation since the Heian period (794-1192) as a ceremony to pray for good health and good fortune.

A statue of Genbu, a tortoise with a snake coiled around it, is enshrined in the main shrine. The tortoise is said to bring longevity and the snake is said to bring prosperity. Let us pray to these auspicious beasts of the gods for a healthy and prosperous year.