The Backpack Adventures

It was only last  May 2018 that my wife, daughter, and I visited Kyoto's Kimono Forest for the first time. We were accompanied there by our friend Gil who's residing in Kyoto. For me, Kimono Forest is a magical place, particularly at night.  Kimono Forest Kimono Forest Details: For those who don't know Kimono Forest is a collection of cylinder-shaped pillars with beautiful Kimono designs. These are located at the Arashiyama Station of the Keifuku Randen Tram Arashiyama LIne in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, in Kyoto Prefecture.  Kimono Forest - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Walking through the Kimono Forest My mom seems to be enjoying her visit to the Kimono Forest Kimono Forest History Installed in 2013 during the station's renovation, these 600+ kimono-designed cylinders stand about 2 meters high creating that mini-forest feel. What I like about the Kimono Forest is that there are no entrance fees. Surprisingly, it's also not that crowded despite the droves of tourist

It was only last 2018 when my wife, daughter, and I visited the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove . Back then, we were accompanied by our friend Gil who gave us tips on when to visit and what to try out in and around this famous tourist destination. Those tips proved to be quite useful when we revisited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove again last December 2019 . Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Details For those who don't know, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is located at Ukyo-ku Sagano, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture. This place is popularly known for the scenic pathway that cuts in the bamboo forest of northeastern Kyoto. These 10-20 foot tall bamboo plants provide visitors with an amazing backdrop that is perfect for #travelgoals posts in one's social media accounts. However, visiting this place is not a simple walk in the park as this place is flocked by hundreds of visitors every day so getting that perfect solo picture surely is a challenge.  Arashiyama Bamboo Grov

Located at Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo Ward in Kyoto City, Tenryuji  ( 天龍寺 ) is the head temple of the Tenryuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. This temple was also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.  Tenryuji  ( 天龍寺 ) My wife, daughter, and I first visited Tenryuji during our 2018 Japan trip . We revisited Tenryuji again this year and with us this time were my parents and siblings. Aside from that, unlike our first visit, we now got to go inside the Sogenchi Garden vicinity and see with our own eyes the picturesque garden and the Sogenchi Pond .  Muso Soseki Sogenchi Garden History Speaking of Sogenchi Garden and Sogenchi Pond, both were designed and created by Muso Soseki in the 14th century. Unlike the temple buildings of Tenryuji which were destroyed and reconstructed several times, the garden still retains its original appearance. It is currently designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan