The Journal window shows you your Objectives, information about the inn and your character, and allows you to enter the Help and Tips option. You can choose the Journal from the menu on the right side of the screen.
Objectives
By choosing the eye icon, Watch, you will add the given Objective to the list of Tasks you can see at the upper-left corner of the screen.

Inn and upgrades

The right side of the window shows you all the possible upgrades you can get for your inn. In the top right corner you can see how many points you have available to spend (each fame point equals a point to spend here).
You can only unlock a skill/perk bordering one you already have. By pressing an icon with a left mouse button you can learn what it does.
Help and Tips
