Thanks for stopping in! I hope to share my experiences navigating Japanese culture, with a hefty dose of visits to historical sites and what you can expect when you go.

In particular, the fine minutia of shrines and temples are something there is a distinct lack of English information on. What’s the difference between a shrine and temple? Who is the enshrined in the Phoenix Hall at the Byodoin? Where did Date Masamune’s family used to worship? How can I get a shrine/temple stamp?

These are all questions I wished someone answered for me in the first few years I was in Japan.

On top of providing you, dear reader, with enough information to make your own trip go smoother, I aspire to create a space that can inspire you with the beauty and timeless grace of Japan (and distract the both of us from daily toil).

一期一会 (one life, one encounter)

Recognizing and appreciating the first-and-only experiences that happen every day