How It All Started

Growing up in a Japanese family abroad, I found comfort and connection through creators like Mudan who showcased the beauty of Japan. However, with the recent surge in tourism, instances of 'over-tourism' have led to certain areas restricting access to foreign visitors due to past misbehaviors. This motivated me to promote respectful tourism and demonstrate to locals that not all tourists are the same.​

Inspired by Abroad in Japan's videos highlighting Japanese etiquette and cultural sites, I initiated the Temple Speedrun, or Templathon. This concept began with the "Day 1 of Asking Mudan to Speedrun Nearly Every Main Temple in Tokyo" challenge and continued for nearly 160 days during his stay in Japan in 2024. Initially perceived as a lighthearted endeavor, the Templathon had a deeper purpose: fostering a community that values both the excitement of exploration and the importance of cultural respect. Our journey included visiting 70 temples in a single day in Kyoto, showcasing the feasibility of combining adventure with reverence.​

By sharing our experiences and routes, we aim to inspire others to engage with Japan's rich heritage thoughtfully and energetically, building a community that celebrates both the challenge and the cultural immersion of the Templathon.