Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 39

Weekend 39: July 30 - 31, 2022

Day 271: July 30, 2022

Saturday - Mashike Town Noryu Fireworks Festival

It's a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. It's perfect because later at night we will head to Mashike to watch the Mashike Town Noryu Firework Festival. 

Off to Teacher Kanda’s house

We are very thankful to Teacher Kanda because she invited us to come with her for this trip. It won't be possible for us to witness it as we can't use our car yet and there won't be any more buses that can bring us back home after the festival if we chose to commute to the location.

Snacks at Teacher Kanda's place

Obira Summer Orange

In the afternoon, my family and I went to Teacher Kanda's place for an early dinner bonding with Ikuko-san and the Rumoi Elementary ALT. Ikuko-san brought a watermelon grown in the town of Obira. It was called Obira Summer Orange. The name came from the unique orange color of its flesh which tastes very sweet. 

Off to Mashike

We left Teacher Kanda's place at around 6:30PM. Sadly, Ikuko-san didn't come with us to Mashike as she will have a Zoom meeting later that night. 

We met some of my students from Rumoi High School

Mashike Town Noryu Fireworks Festival

We arrived at Mashike Port at around 7:20PM. The Mashike Town Noryu Fireworks Festival started right on schedule at 7:45PM. There were about 2500 fireworks that lit up the skies during the 35-minute fireworks show.

Photos from Mashike Fireworks Festival




The air was not only filled with the lights and sounds of the fireworks but also with voices exclaiming "sugoi" and "wow" followed by a unison of ecstatic cheering and clapping. 


After the festival, Teacher Kanda drove us home to wrap up our Saturday night. We wanted to treat her to snacks but there were just so many people who attended the festival that going out of the port parking lot already took us time. Regardless, there would be a lot of chances to do that as Teacher Kanda already invited us to travel to other places someday soon. 

Day 272: July 31, 2022

Sunday - Afternoon stroll with the family

It's the end of my 39th weekend here in Japan. Although we rested for half the day, my family and I decided to go on a stroll in the afternoon. We went to Rumoi Roadside Station, Chairumo, and then Senba Park.

Time for another stroll around Rumoi City

Rumoi Roadside Station

Chairumo


Inside Chairumo




That was my first time visiting and touring the park, and I was surprised by its size and beauty. It has a flower garden, a mini-golf course, and several hills. Senba Park is large enough to accommodate a variety of activities, as well as walking, jogging, biking, and picnics.

Next stop: Lapita Ramen

Team Nicerio at Lapita Ramen

I ordered the spicy miso ramen

When it got dark, we headed back home. On our way, we decided to eat dinner at Lapita Ramen. The restaurant is famous for its ramen. My wife liked the taste of the ramen and also the ambiance of the place. She said that it is on her top ramen restaurant list here in Rumoi.  

We had another great weekend! See you next week!

Overall, my family and I had another amazing weekend. We bonded with friends and traveled to Mashike and around Rumoi City. We are looking forward to what next week has to offer. 

Read more: 



Previous:


Next: 



Location: Minatomachi, Mashike, Mashike District, Hokkaido 077-0221, Japan

Comments

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp - Batangas

Image
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas  One of the best places to go camping...  ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide
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

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

National Shrine of St. Padre Pio - Batangas

Image
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa  St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli
Keep reading

Barcelona Ruins Park - Sorsogon

Image
Located on the coastal area of the town Barcelona in the province of Sorsogon, Barcelona Ruins Park refers to the park where century-old ruins of Spanish colonial-era buildings are found. Barcelona Ruins Park Barcelona Ruins Park History Speaking of the ruins of Spanish Colonial-era buildings, there are two such ruins in Barcelona Ruins Park . The school building ruins at the southeastern tip of the park and the prominent Presidencia building ruins in the northwestern tip of the park.  The ruins of the Presidencia building as seen from across the street A closer look at the Presidencia Building The ruins of the school building at the far end of Barcelona Ruins Park The Presidencia building was once the office of the governadorcillo during the colonial period. If you're wondering why the building seems massive in size, well it's because it doubled as a fortress that guards the town against the pirates and Moro raider that once frequently attacks Spanish-cont
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

List of Festivals in the Philippines: April

Image
Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of  April ?   Please check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this April . Rodeo Masbateno Festival Location:  Masbate City, Province of Masbate Details:  The festival is celebrated every 9th to 14th of April. Its highlights are the bull riding competition, lassoing, 2-4 carambola, and bulldogging. This festival showcases the "cowboy skills" of the Masbatenos. Kangayedan Festival Location:  Pagudpod, Province of Ilocos Norte Details:  The festival is celebrated every 22nd to the 26th of April. Its highlight is the parade of cultural dances. This festival's objective is to safeguard the ecological beauty from destruction and also to renew the vow of the townspeople to replenish and protect the environment.  Butanding Festival Location:  Donsol, Province of Sorsogon Details:  The festival is celebrated every 28th of April to t
Keep reading

Cagayan Adventure: Palaui Island

Image
Our adventure today takes us 457 kilometers northwest of kilometer 0 in Manila. Located in the municipality of Sta. Ana in the province of Cagayan, Palaui Island is every backpacker's / island hopper's dream destination. Palaui Island Palaui Island Details  Palaui Island was declared a National Marine Reserve on August 28, 1994. It is home to countless species of migratory birds, corals, fishes, and even plants.  Palaui Island -  Sta. Ana, Cagayan Palaui Island as seen from San Vicente Port Palaui Island got into the international spotlight after it was used as the filming location for Survivor: Cagayan and Survivor: Blood vs. Water. Not only that, but Palaui Island is also placed in the 10th spot in CNN's World's 100 Best Beaches list. Dos Hermanos Islands as seen from Palaui Island Panoramic view of Palaui Island from Mt. Kabo My group visited the island to see its "raw" beauty. You see, the negative effect of becoming a popular island
Keep reading

Sato Auto Campground of Firefly - Hokkaido

Image
Sato Auto Campground of Firefly ( ほたるの里オートキャンプ場 ) is the nearest campsite to the famed Horoshin Spa of Numata. It is located at 612 Horoshin in the town of Numata in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Sato Auto Campground of Firefly Sato Auto Campground of Firefly details If you're looking for a tranquil getaway surrounded by nature, Sato Auto Campground of Firefly in Hokkaido is the perfect destination. The lush greenery of the Horoshin district provides an idyllic setting for your vacation. Sato Auto Campground of Firefly  - Numata town, Hokkaido Prefecture The campground is open from early June until September and offers a variety of accommodation options, including campsites and cottages. Reservations are accepted by phone from the second Monday of April and can be quite competitive, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. Administration Building Administration Building A miniature water wheel display Sato Auto Campground of Firefly map Upon reservation, customers receive a c
Keep reading

Quituinan Hills - Albay

Image
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town.  Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch .  Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
Keep reading