Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

A country found in East Asia, Japan (日本) is a stratovolcanic archipelago composed of 6,852 islands. Also called Nippon or Nihon, Japan is a major economic power and is the world's third-largest economy.

Japan Flag

The sun has always had a special place in Japanese culture. The ancient Chinese, seeing the sunrise over the islands to the east called them ji-pon (which translates to the source of the sun) Hence as time passed the name stuck and eventually became Japan. The country is categorized into four major islands; Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
Japan Map

 Honshu (which translates to "Main Island" or "Main Province") is the largest and most populated island in Japan. Tokyo, the de facto capital of the country is located here.

 Hokkaido (which means "Northern Sea Circuit") is the second-largest and northernmost island of Japan.

 Kyushu (which means "Nine Provinces") is the third-largest island in Japan. It is also the most southwesterly of its four main islands.

 Shikoku (which means "Four Provinces") is the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan.
The 47 Prefectures of Japan

The local inhabitants of the archipelago are generally called Japanese. They have one of the richest cultures on the planet that is preserved and followed to this day. 
Planes are the best way to travel to far places

Trains, like the Shinkansen, are also a great way to travel around the country

So excited for our first-time visit to Japan!

Finally! Landed safely at Kansai International Airport

With our Japanese Family. Gotta love them all.

Welcome to Japan Team Nicerio

 Things to keep in mind:

 Capital: Tokyo
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Language Spoken: Japanese
Government: Unitary Parliament Constitutional Monarchy

My articles about Japan

Japan Diaries Series:

Lists:

Honshu 

Tokyo Prefecture

Chiba Prefecture

Osaka Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture

Nara Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture

Matsumoto City


Gifu Prefecture

Kyoto Prefecture


Mie Prefecture

Shima City

Toba City


Hokkaido

Hokkaido Prefecture

Sapporo City


Asahikawa City

Hokuchin Museum
Hokkaido Gokoku Shrine
Asahikawa City Museum

Rumoi City

Rumoi Golden Beach Revisited 2022
Miharashi Park Revisited 2022
Senbodai
Senbodai Revisited 2022
Reuke Farm

Otaru City


Haboro



Kyushu

Shikoku

Tokushima Prefecture


What are you waiting for? Time to experience endless adventures in Japan!
Location: Rumoi, Hokkaido, Japan

Comments

Post a Comment

Translate

Total Pageviews

Article Archives

Show more
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Ads

Klook search

Klook.com

Popular posts from this blog

Tagaytay Picnic Grove - Cavite

Image
Located in Tagaytay City in the province of Cavite, Tagaytay Picnic Grove is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. Tagaytay Picnic Grove Tagaytay Picnic Grove Details Tagaytay Picnic Grove  is known for its numerous picnic huts and tables. It is also one of the places in Tagaytay City where you could try horseback riding, zipline, and cable car rides. An eco-trail is also located in Tagaytay Picnic Grove . What makes this place a favorite destination for many is its prime location. It is one of the best places in the city to view Taal Lake and Taal Volcano . Aside from that, the cold weather also draws tourists who want to escape the heat and pollution of Manila. Tagaytay Picnic Grove - Tagaytay City , Cavite Taal Volcano as seen from the Picnic Grove Great place to go on a picnic If you're looking for souvenirs, there are plenty of stores in Tagaytay Picnic Grove that sells Tagaytay City merchandise like shirts, keychains, ref magnets, and many m
Keep reading

Blue Coral Beach Resort - Batangas

Image
Located in Laiya, San Juan in the province of Batangas, Blue Coral Beach Resort is one of the top resorts in Laiya. Blue Coral Beach Resort Blue Coral Beach Resort History Blue Coral Beach Resort  was established a few years ago and has been a go-to resort for company outings and family or barkada bonding. The resort has plenty of Instagram ready areas like its pool area and beach.  Speaking of the beach the sand on it is somewhat creamy (some say white) regardless, the management makes sure that their beachfront is regularly cleaned of any man-made or natural trash. The water is sometimes clear but there are times that it gets murky.  Blue Coral Beach Resort - San Juan, Batangas Welcome to Blue Coral Beach Resort You may want to inquire and book your room here... Since we are talking about the beach, there are several water sports facilities available for the guests such as: Banana boat ( 6 pax per 20 min.) - P1,500 Jet ski (per 1 hour/ 2 seater) - P4,500 Flyi
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Kilometer 0 - Manila City

Image
Located along Roxas Boulevard just in front of the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park in the City of Manila, Kilometer 0 is the beginning of every traveler's adventure. Kilometer 0 Kilometer 0 details Also called a zero mile marker or control station, Kilometer 0 is usually a particular location (usually placed in the nation's capital city) where distances are traditionally measured. These markers also serve as a starting point when measuring a distance of a specific place. For example, Baguio City in the province of Benguet is located 243.4 kilometers northwest of kilometer 0 in Manila. Some people would even consider the marker as the heart of the Philippines. Kilometer 0 - Manila City The new Kilometer 0 marker of the Philippines The Old Kilometer 0 marker of the Philippines The Kilometer 0 of the Republic of the Philippines is found just across the street from the Rizal monument. The marker was once made from marble with a silver ball placed on top of it. It was rep
Keep reading

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Quezon

Image
Located in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is a famous religious shrine and grotto of the province. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as  Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending Christ. Pilgrims an
Keep reading

Imus Cathedral - Cavite

Image
Located in General Castaneda Street in the City of Imus in Cavite, Imus Cathedral is the seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Imus. It is also one of the oldest Spanish colonial churches in the province.   Imus Cathedral - Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar Imus Cathedral History Also known as the  Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar , Imus Cathedral started out as a small chapel-of-ease in Barangay Toclong in Cavite Viejo (now Kawit). It was under the supervision of the Augustinian Recollects who, in 1774, would petition the Spanish government to convert Imus into an independent municipality. However, it was only in 1795 that Imus was finally separated from Cavite Viejo. With this, a provisional church was established in an area known as Barangay Bayan Luma.  Imus Cathedral - Imus City, Cavite Imus Cathedral facade Imus Cathedral seal In 1823, the town center was moved to its present location in Barangay Balangon, and with it came the construction of the parish churc
Keep reading

Paoay Sand Dunes - Ilocos Norte

Image
Located in the town of Paoay in Ilocos Norte, Paoay Sand Dunes is actually part of the wide Ilocos Sand Dunes which encompasses several towns of the province. Paoay Sand Dunes Paoay Sand Dunes Details I have once visited  La Paz Sand Dunes  in Laoag City a few years back with my then girlfriend-now-wife. All we did then was to take photos and pretend to be models just for fun. It was then the most popular part of the Ilocos Sand Dunes. However, just recently, the one located in the town of Paoay started to gain popularity too. This was because of the thrilling  Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure . Paoay Sand Dunes - Paoay, Ilocos Norte Check out the terrain Up we go towards that sandhill! Let's go, guys! Faster! You would surely love the landscape of Paoay Sand Dunes The Paoay Sand Dunes adventure is the generic term used by bloggers and tourists to refer to the exhilarating 4x4 ride and the exciting sandboarding activity. To experience this kind of adven
Keep reading

Top 10 Things to Do in Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Image
Sta. Ana is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Cagayan. It is also the northeastern-most point of the island of Luzon.  Top 10 Things to Do in Sta. Ana, Cagayan For those planning to visit the town to check out what it has to offer, here are the  T op 10 Things To Do in Sta. Ana, Cagayan . 1. Visit San Vicente Port and rent a boat to tour you around the coast and islands near Sta. Ana. 2. Eat fresh seafood.  3. Have a photo taken at KM 642, the farthest and last kilometer marker in Northern Luzon. 4. Hike Mt. Kabo and check out the beautiful Cape Engano. 5. Check out the  Cape Engano Lighthouse . 6. Compose an Instagram worthy photo of  Dos Hermanos Islands . 7. Visit  Crocodile Island . 8. Snorkel or swim with the fishes in Palaui Island's Fish Sanctuary. 9. Enjoy the sun and the sand at  Anguib Beach . 10. Visit  Palaui Island  and admire its beauty or create your own episode of the Survivor series. How about you? What are your Top 10 Things
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine . According to lo
Keep reading