Every culture has it’s own approach and formula when it comes to encouraging the universe to yield in favor of our wild wishes. Back at home, if 11:11 caught my eye, I’d take that as my cue to hope for the best. Then there is the whole falling star business, but that is a little more rare. As expected, as a country filled with ritualistic phrases and manners, Japan is no different. Let us embark on this touristy pilgrimage for the sake of wish making.

From Nagoya we went to Nagahama port on Lake Biwa. This is one of the biggest lakes in Japan and it really looked like an ocean, I could just barely see the other side. We took a ferry to a small island named Chikubu. I fell asleep on the way since it took about 30 minutes. 

When we got there we got two clay plates for our names and wish and were told we needed to throw them threw the gate up the way. Fresh from my nap and wanting to write in Japanese, I kept it simple: I want to become fluent in Japanese. 

The stairs were steep, there was snow on the ground and it was rather cold. We walked up the way up on accident because we weren’t paying attention. Our lack of focus allowed us to see the whole setup before we went to the shrine. We got to see this peculiar statue, so I regret nothing. Always leave time to get lost abroad, you never know what you’ll find. 

When we finally got to the cliff behind the shrine, we realized the difficulty level was worthy of 

wish granting status. Using our names as practice throws, we quickly realized this was purely chance and let go of all hope for the sake of fun. Though one of us was able to successfully get it through, I missed and tossed my disc into the lake. Something tells me my wish will come true, regardless. 

It was an interesting little pilgramage and seeing the traditional spots never gets old to me. Especially when we take such untraditional photos. How much more space do I have in my “unforgettable” slot?