In Search of the Gotokuji “Lucky” Beckoning Cat

It seems only appropriate to upload a post on Gotokuji Temple and its famous beckoning cat ahead of Japan's National Cat Day. Why is February 22 known as National Cat…

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A Lunar New Year in Yokohama’s Chinatown

I'm not a fan of crowds, however, on Jan. 21st, I boarded a local train and headed to Yokohama's Chinatown to toast the Lunar New Year. Although the vast majority…

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Todaiji Temple and the Surprisingly Assertive Bowing Deer of Nara

As I strolled the gorgeous Todaiji Temple grounds I marveled at the chance to see the bowing deer of Nara up close. They seemed entirely at ease there. Why wouldn't…

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