The Backpack Adventures

Located at 754 Tokiwachō, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Higashi Honganji ( 東本願寺 ) is one of the two dominant sub-sects of Shin Buddhism. Higashi Honganji  ( 東本願寺 ) Higashi Honganji History Higashi Honganji , also affectionately called Ohigashisan or Honorable Mr. East by its devotees, was established in 1602 when shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the Shin Sect to be divided to diminish its power and influence. The order gave birth to two of Japan's most dominant sub-sects of Shin Buddhism - Nishi Honganji (The Western Temple of the Original Vow) and Higashi Honganji (The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow). Higashi Honganji - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Higashi Honganji marker outside the temple vicinity The first few structures of Higashi Honganji were built in its present location in 1658. From there, other establishments were added to the temple complex throughout the years.   Higashi Honganji grounds map Another temple map Higashi Honganji's Founder&#

Located in the heart of Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, 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. 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 station was spacious and designed

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 Hotel a