The Backpack Adventures

The first time that I saw the Kyoto Station Illumination was when my siblings and I explored the places near our accommodation last December 22, 2019 , which was the 4th day of our 2019 Japan Trip . During that time, my wife and daughter and my parents decided to rest in our accommodation as we explored the Gion District and the Kiyomizu Ward on the eastern side of Kyoto City.  Kyoto Station Illumination 2023 I had the opportunity to revisit and experience the breathtaking Kyoto Station Illumination once more on January 9, 2023 , marking my 434th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme . This time, I was accompanied by my daughter. Unfortunately, my wife, who was pregnant at the time and had walked extensively in the Kiyomizu Ward, did not join us, choosing to rest instead. Kyoto Station Illumination 2023 Since Christmas was already over, the giant Kyoto Station Christmas Tree was already removed. Regardless, we were able to see the East Square Illumination and the Sk...

The first time that I visited the Pokemon Center Kyoto ( ポケモンセンターキョウト ) was on December 22, 2019 , which was the 4th day of our 2019 Japan trip . My family and I revisited it last January 9, 2023 , which is my 434th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme .  Pokemon Center Kyoto During my first visit to Pokemon Center Kyoto , I was with my siblings while my wife and daughter stayed behind in our accommodation. This visit, my wife and daughter finally tagged along which made my revisit even more memorable. For those who missed my first article about Pokemon Center Kyoto , here’s a summary of what I wrote about… Pokemon Center Kyoto Details Pokemon Center Kyoto opened in 2017, originally located on the 5th floor of Takashimaya Department Store Kyoto before relocating to its current location in March 2019. Pokemon Center Kyoto - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture During our initial visit, Pokemon Center Kyoto featured exclusive Pikachu merchandise themed around Maiko and ...

Yasaka Pagoda ( 八坂の塔 ), popularly known as Hokanji ( 法観寺 ) is a 5-story pagoda that is the last remaining structure of the 6th-century Hokanji temple complex. It is located at 388 Shimizu Yasaka Kamimachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan .  Hokanji Hokanji details The Yasaka Pagoda , also known as the Tower of Yasaka , is a 46-meter tall Buddhist pagoda. It is the sole surviving structure of the ancient Hōkan-ji temple complex , which dates back to the 6th century. Today, the pagoda is a popular tourist attraction. Hokanji - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Historically, the Yasaka Pagoda 's foundation dates to the 7th century, with some debate over whether it was established during Prince Shotoku 's reign or in 678 CE during the Tenmu period. Over the centuries, the pagoda and its associated temple were repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, with the current pagoda dating back to 1440. Hokanji / Yasaka Pagoda The control of the pagoda was historically conteste...

The first time my family and I visited Kiyomizudera ( 清水寺 ) was last December 27, 2014 , which was the 9th day of our first trip to Japan . We were finally able to revisit it last January 9, 2023 , which was my 434th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme .  Kiyomizudera ( 清水寺 ) Kiyomizudera is one of my favorite temples in Kyoto City. I love its rich history and the idea that it was built without using a single nail still amazes me.  Kiyomizudera details Kiyomizudera , founded in 778, is a significant site dedicated to Kannon Bodhisattva , known for compassion. Situated on Otowayama in Kyoto, it spans 130,000 square meters with over 30 historical buildings, including national treasures.  Kiyomizudera Despite enduring more than 10 fires since its inception, the temple, rebuilt mostly in 1633, remains a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its origin traces back to a monk named Kenshin , guided by a spiritual dream to Otowa Falls, where he met Gyoei Koji and establish...