The Backpack Adventures

Takayama City is currently the largest municipality in Japan in terms of land area. Located in the mountainous northern part of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City has its fair share of unique culture and tradition worth seeing and experiencing.  Top 10 Things To Do in Takayama City For those who are planning to visit Takayama City , here's something that might help you make your visit a memorable one - the Top 10 Things To Do in Takayama City . 1. Take a stroll at  Sanmachi Suji District  (Takayama Old Town) The Sanmachi Suji District is a historic district in Takayama City . It has numerous well-preserved Edo Period houses that presently serve as museums, stores, and restaurants. 2. Witness the Takayama Festival Held every April 14 and 15 and October 9 and 10, Takayama Festival is regarded as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan. The highlight of this festival is the parade of floats called yatai .  3. Visit the  Takayama Matsuri K...

Located at Plaza Mabini Street, Balayan in the province of Batangas, Balayan Church is one of the Spanish colonial era churches in the province. It is also listed as a National Cultural Treasure. Balayan Church Balayan Church History Also known as Immaculate Conception Parish Church , Balayan Church was constructed sometime in 1591 under the directives of the Jesuit Order right after the Franciscans turned over the supervision of the town to them.  Balayan Church - Balayan, Batangas Balayan Church facade with the newly constructed biblical images at its plaza. The red brick bell tower of Balayan Church NHI Marker of Balayan Church The first church was made from light materials mainly wood, bamboo, and nipa which were abundant in the area. However, due to the growing number of devotees and the frequent damages brought by Mother Earth, a new stone church was built in 1795. The church was dedicated in honor of the  Immaculate Conception  which is t...

Located at the poblacion of Calaca in the province of Batangas, Calaca Church is one of the Spanish colonial era churches of the province. Calaca Church -  St. Raphael the Archangel Parish Church Calaca Church History Also known as St. Raphael the Archangel Parish Church , Calaca Church was said to be founded in 1836 which was a year after the establishment of the town of Calaca. The church was built from the collective sacrifices and efforts of the townspeople of the town. It was said that the men and women of Calaca gathered the materials needed to build the church from the town of Balayan. Using their bancas or small riverboats, they hauled the sand, stone, wood, adobe, and limestone and brought them to Calaca via the Pansipit River. Those materials would then be hauled by the locals to the site where the church would be constructed.  Calaca Church - Calaca, Batangas Calaca Church facade The Apostolic Penitentiary posted outside the church during ou...