The Backpack Adventures

Located in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture in Japan , Wakayama Castle ( 和歌山城   Wakayama-jō )   is the symbol of the city and its people. Wakayama Castle Wakayama Castle History Wakayama Castle 's history started when Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered his younger brother Hidenaga to build a castle on Mt. Okayama (now known as Mt. Torafuso) in 1585. When the castle was finished, Hidenaga stationed Kuwayama Shigeharu to the castle.  In 1619, Tokugawa Ieyasu's 10th child Yorinobu became lord of the castle. From that point on, the castle was ruled by other Tokugawa lords until the Meiji Restoration.  Wakayama Castle - Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture Wakayama Castle ground map The Backpack Adventures visits Wakayama Castle Wakayama Castle consists of a series of interconnected buildings surrounding a central courtyard. The main, three-tiered castle tower is connected to an interconnecting corridor, the Tenshunino-man (Camphor Wood Gate), the cookery, a small tower, and a

Day 7   December 25, 2014 Christmas in Japan Merikurisimasu from Japan ! This is our first Christmas away from the Philippines . Lucky for us, we are celebrating it with our Japanese family. With them around we won't feel that we are away from home. Today is also our first rest day since we got to Japan . Although it's Christmas, our Japanese family still had to go to work which is in contrast to how we consider December 25 as an official non-working holiday. That night we had a little celebration and Mr. Toshi gave me two Japanese novels (translated into English of course). We also had a simple feast to celebrate this special day. To sum it up, we didn't visit any new places today but we had a fulfilled day because we got to spend it with our Japanese family. Day 8   December 26, 2014 My Solo Wakayama City Visit After spending Christmas Day at the Kameyama Residence, it is time once again for another adventure. Sadly, it would only be a solo backpacking adventure f

Located in 〒554-0024 Osaka, Konohana Ward, Shimaya, 6 Chome−2−61 ユニバーサルシティウォーク大阪 ４Ｆ in Universal CityWalk in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture in Japan , Osaka Takoyaki Museum  is actually a collection of takoyaki shops in one themed location. Osaka Takoyaki Museum Osaka Takoyaki Museum details Although you won't see any fossilized takoyaki   nor skeletal remains of the first   takoyaki  cook, the Osaka Takoyaki Museum prides itself on the different types of   takoyaki  that are being served in the   takoyaki   shops in this themed dining destination. Osaka Takoyaki Museum - Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture It is said that the  takoyaki  in  Osaka Takoyaki Museum  is actually the different varieties of  takoyaki  found in the different areas of Japan. Hence, if you plan to taste it all, the  Osaka Takoyaki Museum  is the best place for you to do it. Can you spot the mascot of the museum? Photos inside Osaka Takoyaki Museum The place smells great Watch how takoyaki is prepa