This temple is one of Zen Buddhism where ascetics carved out caves from the hillside, making elaborate designs along the way. This was the most amazing site I visited in all of my travels to Japan this trip. Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed. I’m not even certain I should have taken this one. You are…

I knew, going in to a trip to Hakone, that it was a tourist destination. I also knew it was a haven for Hot Springs, or Onsen, which I adore. Having stayed there for almost exactly 48 hours there is a lot to reflect on. Hakone is beautiful. It is up in the mountains so…

Part of why I planed a solo adventure was to take time to visit (on my own terms) some of the places of Nichiren Daishonin-a Buddhist monk, teacher, leader, and social activist who fought for the idea that all people, not just those who practice in the priesthood, are Buddahs. It is from this ideal…

I finally have seen Mt. Fuji, and it definitely lives up to the hype. It’s interesting to see such a large mountain all on its own, and without other mountins right next to it. It’s no wonder that the people of Japan worshiped this mountain, looming over so many parts of the country. I learned…

It is interesting to me to see different aspects of Japan. At popular tourist destinations, I hear all kindsn of languages including many I cannot identify. But walk down a side street and you get pure Japan. An interesting benefit (or downside) to using Google Maps out here is that sometimes it takes you down…

I failed in my attempts today to visit two Shinto shrines and a Buddhist temple. Like a total newbie too Japan, I was caught in the rain without an unbrella…at a temple that was a 15 minute walk from the train station. Talk about a walk of shame. Before that, though, I was able to…

Today I ventured out to the Osaka Aquarium on my own. I bought two tickets both times instead of a transfer ticket, and realized I should have used my Suica card (which is why I got it in the first place). I’m looking forward to my future train travels being much simpler as a result.…

I am heading out on my own in Japan now. I can’t really describe the fear and excitement I have because they almost cancel each other out so I’m just meh. I am excited to not have to acquiesce to the needs of others (something that is a constant when taking a group of 14…

There’s nothing quite like a Japanese festival. The food. The games. The dances. The parades. Did I mention the food? My personal favorite is the cucumber on a stick. This one featured a stand complete with a Kappa!! Honorable mention to the sugar coated sweet potatoes. Of course it wouldn’t be a festival without shaved…

Duality as a concept had a negative connotation. It’s often used as synonymous with “two-faced” or having ill intentions despite good actions. But I argue that duality is not only commonplace but essential for life. For example: I can disagree with someone’s point of view and still care about them as a person. I don’t…