While searching for things to do in Takasaki (高崎), I discovered Shorinzan Darumaji (少林山達磨寺), where Daruma dolls—a symbol of good luck—originated.

The temple is nothing grand, or at least nowhere near the standards of some of the more famous ones in the region, but I was pleasantly surprised by how I enjoyed the walk to this temple that was small but nevertheless exuded a sense of elegance and peace that grander and overcrowded temples have been robbed of.

I made a wish for a peaceful and prosperous lunar new year.

What would you wish for?