The Backpack Adventures

10 More Things to Do in Osaka City Osaka City ( 大阪市 ) is the capital of Osaka Prefecture, Japan . Historically known as Naniwa during the Asuka and Nara periods, it once served as the nation’s capital. The modern boundaries of Osaka City were established in 1889, and it was officially designated as a city in 1956. The kanji “ 大 ” ( ō ) means “ large ,” while “ 阪 ” ( saka ) means “ hill ,” reflecting the city’s dynamic landscape and spirit. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what else to explore, here are 10 more things to do in Osaka City . Hozenji 1. Visit Hozenji ( 法善寺 ) , a serene little shrine hidden along a charming alley just steps away from the bustling Dotonbori area. Before making a wish, be sure to pour water over the moss-covered statue of the deity Fudomyoo , a local tradition believed to bring good fortune.   Duskin Museum 2. Visit the Duskin Museum ( ダスキンミュージアム ) and discover the fascinating history behind Mister Donut. Don’t miss the fun and intera...

10 Things to Do in Yuasa Yuasa ( 湯浅町 ) is a historic coastal town located in Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan . It is widely recognized as the birthplace of soy sauce in Japan. The town’s name is written with the kanji 湯 (yu) , meaning “ hot water ” or “ hot bath ,” and 浅 (asa) , meaning “ shallow ” or “ superficial .” For those planning to visit this historic coastal town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Yuasa :   Yuasa manhole cover 1. Take a photo of Yuasa's manhole cover design . I have seen 1 unique manhole cover design. It is commonly found in the town.   Yuasa Omiya Kenkoku Shrine 2. Visit Yuasa Omiya Kenkoku Shrine ( 顯国神社 ) to pay your respects and offer prayers. The shrine offers a goshuin that would make a wonderful addition to your collection. It is also recognized as a cultural property and forms part of a Japan Heritage Site.   Semuiji 3. Visit Semuiji ( 施無畏寺 ) in spring to enjoy the beautiful che...

10 Things to Do in Yura Yura ( 由良町 ) is a picturesque coastal town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan . The town is famous for its mandarin oranges, including varieties like Yura Wase and Yurakko , as well as its Ena wakame seaweed, which thrives thanks to the sudden drop in seawater temperature during winter. The town’s name combines the kanji 由 (yu) , meaning reason, origin, or cause , and 良 (ra) , meaning good, excellent, or fine . For those planning to visit this picturesque coastal town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Yura :   Yura's manhole cover design 1. Take a photo of Yura's manhole cover design . I have seen 1 unique manhole cover design. It is commonly found in the town.   Usa Hachiman Shrine 2. Visit the  Usa Hachiman Shrine ( 宇佐八幡神社 ) to pay your respects and offer prayers. Don’t forget to collect a goshuin for your collection.   Tatago Rock as seen from the Shirasaki Manyo Park 3. ...

10 Things to Do in Kamishihoro Kamishihoro ( 上士幌町 ) is a picturesque inland town in Hokkaido’s Tokachi Subprefecture, Japan . It is known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich historical sites. The town’s name originates from the Shihoro River, which itself is derived from the Ainu language. According to one theory, the name “ Shu-woro , ” meaning “ pot placed in water ,” came from an incident in which bandits who had attacked Tokachi were defeated by the Otofuke Ainu, causing their pots to be thrown into the river. Because the town lies north of this river, it was later named Kamishihoro, meaning “ Upper Shihoro .” For those planning to visit this picturesque inland town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kamishihoro :   Kamishihiro's manhole cover design 1. Take a photo of Kamishihiro's manhole cover design . I have seen 1 unique manhole cover design. It is commonly found in the town.   Kamishihoro Shrine 2. Visit Kamishihoro ...

10 Things to Do in Ashoro Ashoro ( 足寄町 ) is a scenic valley town in Hokkaido’s Tokachi Subprefecture, Japan . Before the merger of Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture on February 1, 2005, it held the distinction of being the largest municipality in the country. The town’s economy is primarily supported by dairy farming and the cultivation of sugar beets and wheat. Its name originates from the Ainu word Esorope , which means “ to go down along the river .” This refers to the route once used by people traveling from the Kushiro area, across Akan, and along what is now the Ashoro River toward Tokachi and Kitami. For those planning to visit this scenic valley town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Ashoro :   Ashoro's manhole cover designs 1. Take a photo of Ashoro's manhole cover designs . I have seen 2 unique manhole cover designs. They are commonly found in the town.   Ashoro Pokémon manhole cover 2. Be sure to take a photo of the Ashoro P...