The Backpack Adventures

Maragondon is one of the southernmost towns of the province of Cavite. It is also one of those places in Cavite where one can still feel the "provincial vibes" compared to many of the other towns and cities of the province which already embraced urbanization.  Top 10 Things To Do in Maragondon, Cavite For those planning to visit the town to check out what it has to offer, here are the Top 10 Things To Do in Maragondon, Cavite. 1. Admire the sculpted images at  Inukit  Site 2. Cross the Caingin Hanging Bridge 3. Take a photo of the ancestral houses  4. Visit the Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-Tourism Park 5. Go boating or swimming at Maragondon River 6. Go to mass at the historic Maragondon Church 7. Swim or sunbathe at Patungan Beach 8. Visit and learn about Andres Bonifacio's trial at the Bonifacio Trial House 9. Hike Mt. Buntis 10. Hike Mt. Pico de Loro  AKA Mt. Palay-Palay I hope my list of Top 10 Things To Do in Marag

Located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City  ( 高山 ) is said to be in the heart of the Japanese Alps. It also currently has the largest geographic area of any municipality in Japan . Takayama City  ( 高山 ) Takayama City History Takayama City is also called Hida-Takayama in reference to the old Hida province and also to differentiate it from other places in Japan with the same name. The name  Takayama  means "tall mountain", probably in reference to the mountains that surround it.  Takayama City's famed Sanmachi Suji Part of the town near the Old Town District as seen from our room in the hotel Walking the streets of Takayama City Crossing the Nakabashi Bridge The history of the creation of Takayama started with its establishment in 1889. During that time, it was the most populous municipality in Gifu Prefecture. In 1936, the town merged with the town of Onada forming the city of Takayama. It continued to grow as it annexed the villag

Japan is a country that is abundant with hot springs which are locally called onsen. These are commonly found in hotels, spas, public baths, and traditional Japanese inns called ryokans. There are even onsen resort towns found all around the country like Arima, Beppu, Hakone, Yufuin, Kusatsu, and many more. First Timer's Guide to the Japanese Onsen What sets the Japanese onsen apart from the hot springs of other countries are the traditions that surround it. Although breaking these traditions won't land you to jail, it would most likely gain you the irk of locals or worse would get you kicked out of the establishment.  Got this from the guidebook of Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan This article is written so that you would be aware of some of the most common but important traditions before taking that first time dip in an onsen. 1. Remove what should be removed Before entering the changing room of an onsen establishment, make sure to remove your footwear first and c

First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass Kyoto City is one of the most touristy destinations in Japan . There are numerous tourist destinations scattered around this 827.8 square kilometer city that commuting sometimes becomes too costly and stressful particularly for travelers who are on a tight budget.  As of 2018 , the fixed rate for city buses is 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children per ride. Now, imagine riding the bus 5 times a day or more... Luckily, there is something that can remove this concern from the equation. First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass The Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass gives you that hassle-free and cost-efficient commuting experience during your visit. For just 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children , tourists can get that unlimited bus ride for a day. However, before availing of the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass , one should keep these in mind first... This one's for daddy and mommy This one's fo

Japan has always been the best country when it comes to souvenirs. Each city prides itself on its own product which is perfectly suited for the different tastes of tourists. As a travel blogger whose interest is mostly culture and history, I'm naturally inclined to buy souvenirs that remind me of the rich history and culture of the places that I have visited. Oftentimes, I am left with no other option but to buy refrigerator magnets, key chains, and pins. However, during my last visit to Japan, I discovered and got a unique souvenir that I think you'd also love to take home (and bring back to Japan next time you visit). This souvenir would surely remind you of Japan's cultural, religious, and historic side... this souvenir is none other than a goshuin collection. First Timer's Guide to Collecting Goshuin A goshuin is described as a temple or shrine stamp/seal that is written by a temple priest called a kannushi in a special notebook called goshuincho which tran