The Backpack Adventures

Weekend 61: December 31 – January 1, 2023 Day 425: December 31, 2022 Saturday – New Year’s Eve with our Japanese Family Another beautiful morning here in Kumatori , Osaka Good morning! I helped Mr. Toshi prepare our breakfast for today. It’s a beautiful morning. We spent the morning at home resting and helping our Japanese family with the household chores.  Eiraku Yumenomori Park The walking path that leads to the part of the park with a higher elevation The gazebo at the end of the walking path I was able to go up to that observatory during our visit last 2014 Time to say goodbye to Eiraku Yumenomori Park We first headed back home to get some things before driving out again. That afternoon, we drove to Eiraku Yumenomori Park so that the kids would have playtime together. The park is located in Kumatori in Osaka Prefecture. It's a perfect place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Aside from the playground equipment, there is also a walking path aroun...

10 Things to Do in Kaizuka City Kaizuka ( 貝塚市 ) is a city in Osaka Prefecture, Japan . Kaizuka City was established on April 1, 1889, and became a city on October 1, 1943. The city is historically known for its production of wooden combs made from boxwood. The kanji used for its name kai ( 貝 ) means shellfish and zuka ( 塚 ) means mound.  For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kaizuka City : Kaizuka City manhole cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Kaizuka City . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is common around the city.  Kanda Shrine 2. Visit the Kanda Shrine ( 感田神社 ). It’s located near Kaizuka Station and can easily be reached on foot. It’s a popular shrine among locals so please make sure to keep the peace or the place. This shrine also celebrates the Taikodai Festival so if you time your visit in July then you might be able to witness it. You can also pay your respects and offer praye...

Mizumadera ( 水間寺 ) is the head temple of the Tendai sect, nestled on the Ryukokusan mountain. It is located at 638 Mizuma, Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan . Mizumadera Mizumadera details According to temple lore, Mizumadera was established by Gyoki during the Tenpyo era (729-749) at the behest of Emperor Shomu . Gyoki, responding to Emperor Shomu's vision of Kannon Bodhisattva during illness, embarked southwest guided by a swan, which mysteriously vanished, leaving only feathers in Izumi Province. Heading northeast, Gyoki encountered 16 children believed to be manifestations of Kannon Bodhisattva . Led by one of these children, Gyoki reached Mizuma, where two rivers converge. There, as he followed the child's guidance toward a waterfall, a dragon god appeared, presenting a statue of Holy Kannon. The site of this miraculous encounter is marked by a board inscribed with " Waterfall of the Appearance of St. Kannon Bodhisattva ." Mizumadera - Kaizuka City, Osaka...