The Backpack Adventures

Maruyama Zoo ( 札幌市円山動物園 ) is located at Miyagaoka 3-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture and is one of the largest zoos not only in the prefecture but also in  Japan . Maruyama Zoo Maruyama Zoo details ( Winter ) Maruyama Zoo opened in 1951. Initially, the place was chosen by the city to be the venue to hold the "traveling zoo" of Tokyo's Ueno Zoo. It was such a hit that the local government of Sapporo City decided to open a zoo for itself. Hence, the birth of Maruyama Zoo.  Maruyama Zoo - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture Welcome to Maruyama Zoo Maruyama Zoo map and ticket At present, Maruyama Zoo covers an area of about 22.5 hectares. It is home to 180+ different species and 900+ different types of animals that are housed in different areas of the zoo. Maruyama Zoo map These areas are: Polar Exhibit Tropical Bird House General Waterbird Exhibit Hippo and Lion House Kangaroo House Owl and Hawk Forest Birds of Prey Exhibit Kid's Zoo Monkey Hill Giraffe H

Avoid Offloading with these 10 Practical Tips In the past weeks, I have read numerous horror stories about passengers being offloaded from their flights or being denied entry to their destination countries. I want to share with you some practical tips to avoid being offloaded but first let’s define the word. Offloaded A person who is involuntarily barred from boarding a commercial airplane A person who is involuntarily removed from the plane after he/she has already boarded Baggage that is removed from a flight because the owners failed to show up or board the plane on time. With that, let’s answer the big question – How does one avoid being offloaded from their flight? Let’s begin with some tips pre-flight. Pre-flight tips to avoid offloading: Prepare your documents. Prepare all necessary documents before going to the airport. If it’s an international flight, make sure to bring your passport with you. This should be valid until your return flight. In case your trip needs a visa and t

Hokkaido Shrine ( 北海道神宮 ) is not only the main shrine of Sapporo City but also one of the most important shrines in the whole of Hokkaido. It is located at 477 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan .    Hokkaido Shrine  ( 北海道神宮 ) Hokkaido Shrine details ( WINTER ) In 1869 during the Meiji Period, when Hokkaido was being integrated into Japan's territory, Emperor Meiji ordered a ceremony in Tokyo to enshrine three Shinto shrine deities (kami) for the Hokkaido reclamation (Kaitaku Sanjin). These deities were Okuninushi , Okunitama , and Sukunahikona . They were known as the pioneering gods who are believed to guide and uplift the spirits of pioneers. These deities were later on moved to Sapporo City.  Hokkaido Shrine - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture A temporary shrine was constructed to house the three deities in 1870. In just a year, the construction present shrine was completed. It was then named Sapporo Shrine .  In 1964, the soul of Emperor Meiji was

The Otaru Music Box Museum ( 小樽オルゴール堂 本館 ) , located at 4-1 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru City, Hokkaido Prefecture, is the main building of seven similar music box establishments in the city. It is also the biggest and most well-known of the seven. Otaru Music Box Museum Otaru Music Box Museum details ( WINTER ) Locally referred to as the Otaru Orgel Doh , the Otaru Music Box Museum is the largest music box museum in Japan . It houses more or less 25,000 different music boxes. Otaru Music Box Museum - Otaru City, Hokkaido Prefecture Otaru Music Box Museum facade and its famed steam clock Otaru Music Box Museum at night Aside from being a museum, the whole ground floor is actually a store that sells a plethora of music boxes. These come in different sizes, colors, designs, and even sounds. You can actually buy luxurious music boxes with jaw-dropping price tags or purchase an affordable customizable music box as a souvenir.  Learn more about the former Kyosei Co. Ltd. Otaru Orgel What I like