The Backpack Adventures

On May 24, 2023 , my 569th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme , I visited Teshio Itsukushima Shrine ( 天塩厳島神社 ) for the third time. Although it might appear to be an annual tradition, it wasn’t intentional. I merely had some extra time while waiting for my bus, and the shrine was conveniently along the route to my intended destination, the Kawaguchi Ruins Scenic Forest . Teshio Itsukushima Shrine My first visit to Teshio Itsukushima Shrine was in the winter, on February 12, 2022 , followed by a second visit in the summer on August 12, 2022 . If you missed my previous articles about this stunning shrine, you may click the links about it or read the brief summary of its fascinating history below. Teshio Itsukushima Shrine History Teshio Itsukushima Shrine was founded on September 1, 1804, by Suhara Kakubei , who welcomed a branch of the guardian deity Ichikishimahime while establishing a customs office along the Teshio River to manage fishing grounds.  Teshio...

Day 569: May 24, 2023 Wednesday – Teshio Teshio High School 5.24.23 Today was one of those days that reminded me how beautiful and enriching life can be. It marked my third visit to Teshio High School this academic year, and as always, it was a fulfilling experience. Thanks to my 2-day Moekko Free Ticket , I was able to navigate the city and its surroundings freely, making the day even more enjoyable. My Day at Work: Collaboration with Miyakoshi-sensei 2nd Period: Interview Test with 2A (Miyakoshi-sensei) 3rd Period: Interview Test with 1A (Miyakoshi-sensei) I wrapped up my work a little earlier than usual, but the bus back to Rumoi City wasn’t scheduled to arrive for another hour. Instead of waiting idly, I decided to use the extra time for a short adventure. Afternoon Adventure: Teshio Itsukushima Shrine 's main torii gate  Teshio Itsukushima Shrine I started by revisiting Teshio Itsukushima Shrine . There’s something so calming about the shrine—its peacefulness...

Week 82: May 22 – 26, 2023 Day 567: May 22, 2023 Monday – Rumoi Rumoi High School 5.22.23 As I begin my 82nd week as an ALT under the JET Programme , I can't help but reflect on how much I've grown accustomed to my life in Japan . Despite the gloomy weather that greeted me when I left home, I was grateful to have arrived at Rumoi High School just in time to avoid the downpour that began an hour later. Here’s my workload today: Collaboration work with Matsuda-sensei 1st period – School Life L2 @ 1-56 of Matsuda-sensei 2nd period – Be Verb ¬+ing @ 1-34 of Matsuda-sensei 5th period – World Heritage Sites @ 3-2 of Hidaka-sensei 6th period – I Like Junkfood @ 1-1 of Matsuda-sensei CH-47J helicopter poster While in one of the classrooms, I saw a poster  announcing that it was possible to ride the  CH-47J helicopter  of the Japan Self-Defense  Force on June 10th. It was a lottery, but I still took the opportunity to apply.  Day 568: May 23, 2023 Tuesday – Rumoi Rum...