The Backpack Adventures

Learning Kanji - Directions Previously, we began our kanji journey by diving into the world of numbers —fundamental characters that serve as building blocks in written Japanese. Having mastered those essential symbols, it's time to move forward. Today, we’ll explore another important group: kanji for directions . These 13 basic directional kanji appear frequently in signs, maps, addresses, and everyday conversations. Learning them will not only expand your reading skills but also boost your confidence in navigating both the language and the world around you. Please feel free to download these photos from the official The Backpack Adventures Facebook page and use them as flashcards.  Let’s get started!  方 - direction, way 左 - left 右 - right 上 - up, above 下 - down, below Primary Directions: 西 - west 東 - east 南 - south 北 - north Secondary Directions: 南西 - southwest 南東 - southeast 北西 - northwest 北東 - northeast I hope this helped you learn 13 new kanji characters for your "kanji ...

Shamisen Falls  ( 三味線滝 )  is a waterfall found along Route 278. It is located at Oiwa in the town of Shikabe, Kayabe District in Hokkaido Prefecture,  Japan . Shamisen Falls Shamisen Falls Details If you're traveling from Esan to Shikabe, keep an eye out for Shamisen Falls , a charming roadside attraction often missed by those unfamiliar with its location. Situated along National Route 278 , the falls are easily accessible from the Shikabe Geyser side. However, its subtle presence means you might drive past without realizing the natural beauty nearby. Shamisen Falls - Shikabe town, Hokkaido Prefecture The Story Behind the Name The name " Shamisen Falls " has two intriguing origins, both highlighted on a nearby signboard. First, the sound of the cascading water resembles the melody of a shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument. Second, the waterfall flows in three distinct streams, symbolizing the instrument’s three strings. Shamisen Falls signboard Wh...

10 More Things To Do in Hakodate City There are a lot of things to do in Hakodate City ( 函館市 ) in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . That’s why I’m back with 10 More Things to Do in Hakodate City . However, some places here are on the city's outskirts or far away from the city center. If you have already accomplished the first ten then you should try doing these:   Yukura Shrine 1. Pay a visit and offer prayers at Yukura Shrine ( 湯倉神社 ) . This small beautiful shrine is known for dispensing fortunes tied around paper squids. The shrine doesn’t offer any goshuin stamps but you can avail of omamori or charms here. Yukura Shrine is beloved as the guardian deity of Yunokawa Onsen.   Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine 2. Pay a visit to Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine ( 函館八幡宮 ) , a serene Shinto shrine nestled in a peaceful forest setting. Founded in 1445, the shrine's main hall, which was built more recently, adds to its historical charm. As one of the key shrines in Hakodate, it off...

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe  ( 道の駅 縄文ロマン 南かやべ )  is one of the 128 roadside stations located around Hokkaido Prefecture. It is also one of the 2 roadside stations of Hakodate City. It is located at 551-1 Usujiricho, Hakodate City in Hokkaido Prefecture,  Japan . Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe details Located in the Minamikayabe region of Hakodate City , Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe is a must-visit destination for those interested in Japan's rich Jomon culture . Registered as a roadside station on August 25, 2011 , and officially opened in October 2011 , this unique site (Registration Number 113) combines history, culture, and local charm, making it a standout spot for travelers exploring Hokkaido . Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture A Hub for Jomon Culture The Minamikayabe region is historically significant, surrounded by abundant seas an...