The Backpack Adventures

Kyoto Station  ( 京都駅 ) is one of Japan's largest train station buildings. It serves as the main gateway for locals and foreigners coming in and out of the city. It is l ocated in the heart of Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan . Kyoto Station  ( 京都駅 ) Kyoto Station History Kyoto Station opened for service on February 5, 1877, by decree of Emperor Meiji . In 1889, its railway connected to Tokyo giving way to the present-day Tokaido Main Line. In 1895, the station became a terminal to the Nara Railway (present-day Nara Line) connecting Kyoto with the southern regions of Kyoto Prefecture and Nara City. Then in 1897, the station became a terminal to the Kyoto Railway (present-day Sagano Line) connecting Kyoto Station with the northern regions of Kyoto Prefecture.   First Kyoto Station building* Second Kyoto Station building* Third Kyoto Station building* The station got a facelift in 1914 and a Renaissance-inspired facility replaced the old station. This new...

Day 1 December 19,2019 Osaka to Kyoto Ohayou! This is it! It's officially our first full day in Japan . Our plan for today is simple, travel from Osaka to Kyoto and check-in our home for the week. After that, we'd explore and familiarize ourselves with the neighborhood. A view from the Izumisano Center Hotel Room 1710 However,  before anything else, we didn't miss the opportunity to feast on the complimentary buffet breakfast of Izumisano Center Hotel . The food was delicious and was an amazing day starter. After breakfast, our godfather, Mr. Toshi, and his daughter Ms. Sawa came to the hotel to welcome us to Japan. They didn't stay long though and after a brief catch-up chat, bade us safe travels.     Off to breakfast The wall design looks like a world map Checking out the food of Izumisano Center Hotel Itadakimasu Look who visited us - our godfather Mr. Toshi with his daughter Sawa and super cute granddaughter Karin We checked out of Izumisano Center Hote...

In this age of social media and hyper inter-connectivity, a trip abroad without an internet connection gives many the feeling of isolation and loneliness.  Such is the case for many travelers in Japan . Being different in climate, culture, and basically, almost all aspects of life, most first-time visitors tend to be shocked that real life doesn't have subtitles (you know what I mean).  Although there are plenty of free WiFi spots in Japan like free public WiFis in major cities, airports, train stations, bus stops, seaports, hotels, cafes, and even Mcdonald's, there are still plenty of "dead spots" in the country, particularly the countryside and the mountainous regions of Japan .  No internet connection does not only mean being cut off from social media life, but it is also an issue if you are unfamiliar with the country as the internet today is also needed for navigation and communication.  Well, if you're one of those travelers and you don't want to re...