Japan Diaries: Day 25

Day 25 January 12, 2015

Sledding on Mt. Kongo

Good morning Japan! Fresh from our trip to Hyogo Prefecture yesterday. Mr. Toshi informed us that we will have another trip today. This time we're going on a mountain in Osaka Prefecture.

This mountain is Mt. Kongo, Osaka's highest peak. This would be my third mountain in Japan. (Here's a quick recap) My first was Ameyama which is also in Osaka Prefecture followed by Mt. Koya or Koyasan which is found in Wakayama Prefecture.
Off to Kongosan!

Wide parking space at the foot of Mt. Kongo

Like most of our trips, Mr. Toshi and his family drove us to our destination. Upon reaching the parking lot at the foot of the mountain, we walked several meters up to the Kongosan Ropeway. From there we rode the ropeway (another first for me) going to the station situated near the peak of Mt. Kongo.
The Kongosan Ropeway

Getting ready to ride a ropeway

So what did we see on Mt. Kongo you might ask? Aside from the ropeway, you would also see a temple shrine and a museum. There is also a hotel (with a restaurant and souvenir store in it) near the ropeway station. 
Ella getting the feel of sledding for the first time

Daddy and Ella bonding moments

Since we visited Mt. Kongo during winter, the mountain was mostly covered with snow. There were areas that were ideal for sledding. My wife, daughter, Mr. Toshi's grandson, and I didn't miss the chance of sledding of course. I consider this day as one of the highlights of our Japan trip because not only did I get a chance to ride a ropeway for the first time, I also got to experience how to sled for the first time too (thank you Japan for the countless firsts!).
Rinku Gate Tower Building

A view from the 54th floor of Rinku Gate Tower Building

Enjoying our last night with Mr. Toshi's family

Yum! ごちそうさまでした

After enjoying what Mt. Kongo has to offer, we drove back to Kameyama Residence to pick up Mr. Toshi's wife. Apparently, we will be treated to farewell dinner at Rinku Gate Tower Building (the second tallest building in Osaka) by Mr. Toshi's family. 
My daughter is enjoying her day too.

Our day didn't end there though, just before going back home, my wife and I requested if we could stop by at one of the nearby malls to buy pasalubong.

Overall, today was a bittersweet day. We did enjoy it a lot however it also marks our last full day with our Japanese family. Tears will surely flow tomorrow...

Read more:

Location: Japan

Comments

  1. CassieJune 29, 2018 at 8:11 PM

    This place sounds amazing! I’ll have to add it to our bucket list

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 29, 2018 at 9:57 PM

    Hey! I totally understand your feelings about Toshi's family. I think about my family in Turkey I always cry about after longer visits.

    I always wanted to visit Japan. It's cool you write down your memories from each day in Japan. The mountains must be awesome :)

    Btw. A friend of mine lived in Osaka and he enjoyed it much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 3, 2018 at 7:46 AM

      Hi Ilona.

      You should visit Japan. =) The place is really... how do I say this... "magical". You'd surely make a lot of fond memories here.

      You're lucky you have a friend living there. =)

      Delete
  3. HealthyFitCoupleJuly 1, 2018 at 2:28 AM

    Japan is in our bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 3, 2018 at 7:46 AM

      I'm excited to hear about your adventures in Japan.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declinin...
Keep reading

Patungan Beach - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Sta. Mercedes (Patungan) in Maragondon , Cavite, Patungan Beach is one of the province's little-known beach destinations. It is situated inside Patungang Cove which is south of Mt. Palay Palay which is also known as Pico de Loro . Patungan Beach Patungan Beach Details The area near Patungan Beach is home to about 100 - 200 families, most of which are fishermen hence the alternate name of the barangay - Patungan Fishing Village . According to the locals that I interviewed, their place was once an isolated  barangay , reachable only by boat, horse, or foot. Thankfully, with the completion of the  Nasugbu - Ternate Highway  and  Kaybiang Tunnel , the barangay was finally connected to the province. However, there is still no direct public transportation system that serves the area coming from Manila.  Patungan Beach - Maragondon, Cavite The beach from a distance Check out these photos of Patungan Beach: Just a heads up, ...
Keep reading

Myozenji - Gifu

Image
Located in 679 Ogi-machi, Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, Myozenji  ( 明善寺 ) is a historic religious establishment found in the historic village of Shirakawago .  Myozenji  ( 明善寺 ) Myozenji History Myozenji Temple was established in 1748 to provide the village people with a place to practice their religion and also to give spiritual protection to the village. For half a century,  the small temple  housed the mo nks who catered untiringly to the spiritual needs of the locals. In 1800, the temple was finally improved with the construction of the main hall, monk's residence, and the bell tower gate. Myozenji - Shirakawago, Gifu Prefecture Myozenji's Hondo Myozenji's bell tower Myozenji is surrounded by nature. Check out this small frog I saw near the temple ...and this lizard too! What makes the Myozenji unique is its thatched roof which uses the same materials as that of the famed gassho-style houses of the village. Like the t...
Keep reading

Gifu Castle - Gifu

Image
Located in the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 )  is a mountaintop castle that stands as one of the symbols of the city.  Gifu Castle  ( 岐阜城 ) Gifu Castle History Built by the Nikaido Clan during the Kamakura Period sometime between 1201 to 1204, Gifu Castle was once called Inabayama Castle by its original owners. It was a formidable castle which overlooks the surrounding countryside of then Mino Province. On September 13, 1567, the castle and its defenders under the leadership of Saito Tatsuoki of the Saito Clan came under siege by the numerically superior army of Oda Nobunaga.  Gifu Castle - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Gifu Castle as displayed at Mt. Kinka Ropeway Station Make sure to get some brochures at Kinkazan Ropeway Station We rode the ropeway up Mt. Kinka Despite its strategical and strong position on top of Mt. Inaba, the castle still fell to the hands of Oda Nobunaga due to his cunning strategy of sending in si...
Keep reading

Sapporo Grand Hotel - Hokkaido

Image
Sapporo Grand Hotel ( 札幌グランドホテル ) is a historic 4-star hotel in the heart of Sapporo City. It is located at 4 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Sapporo Grand Hotel Sapporo Grand Hotel details Located in the heart of Sapporo's vibrant Chūō district, the Sapporo Grand Hotel is a testament to elegance and history. Dating back to 1928, the hotel's conception was sparked by Prince Chichibu's vision during a skiing excursion, recognizing the need for Western-style lodging in the city. Four years later, in 1934, its majestic doors swung open, marking the dawn of a new era in hospitality. Sapporo Grand Hotel - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture Upon its inauguration, the Sapporo Grand Hotel soared as the city's tallest edifice, commanding attention with its imposing stature. Embraced by the Japanese Imperial Army as a strategic locale for military maneuvers in the 1930s, the hotel swiftly became an integral part of Sapporo's land...
Keep reading

Embetsu Shrine Revisited Winter 2022

Image
On August 12, 2022 , during my 41st week in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme , my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Embetsu Shrine for the first time as part of our five-day "Drive Up North" Road Trip . Later, on December 22, 2022 , I had the opportunity to revisit the shrine. What made this return visit particularly special was experiencing it during the winter season. Intrigued by how the shrine would be transformed by snow, I made the trip after finishing my duties at Embetsu Agricultural High School . As expected, the shrine exuded a captivating charm, its grounds adorned in a blanket of snow, truly a magical sight to behold. Embetsu Shrine Revisited Winter 2022 Embetsu Shrine details ( Winter ) For those who weren’t able to read my previous article about Embetsu Shrine , you might want to click this 👉 LINK 👈 to read about the history of the shrine. Regardless, here’s a summary of it. Embetsu Shrine - Embetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture Embetsu Shrine ...
Keep reading

10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City

Image
10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City Sapporo City ( 札幌市 ) is one of the places in Hokkaido that has a lot to offer. That's why In this article, I will share with you 10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City . If you missed reading my article about the " 10 Things to Do in Sapporo City " then please click this 👉 LINK 👈. Tanukikoji Shopping Street 1. Go shopping or restaurant hopping on Tanukikoji Shopping Street  ( 狸小路商店街 ). There are over 200 outlets and restaurants to try out or shop from. Sapporo Beer Museum 2. Go to the  Sapporo Beer Museum  ( サッポロビール博物館 ) and learn about the world-famous Sapporo Beer . Don’t forget to buy some souvenirs at the souvenir shop. If you have the time and budget then you may also opt for the tour and free tasting experience. Shiroi Koibito Park 3. Visit Shiroi Koibito Park  ( 白い恋人パーク ). If you love chocolates and cookies, then this place is a must-visit. You can watch how their famous cookies are made. If you have an extra budget, don’...
Keep reading

Shoboji and Gifu Daibutsu - Gifu

Image
Located in 8 Daibutsu-cho Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture, Shoboji ( 正法寺 )  is known as the temple which houses one of the three largest Daibutsu or Great Buddha statues in Japan . Shoboji   ( 正法寺 ) Shoboji and Gifu Daibutsu History Officially named Kinpouzan Shobouji (Temple) and also called Shohoji , Shoboji was first established in 1638. It joined the Obaku school in 1692. Although the temple incorporated many aspects of the Obaku school, its architectural style and sacraments are in the Chinese style.  Shoboji - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Shoboji as seen from the road Buy your entrance ticket here. It's only 200 yen. Here's what appears to be a tsukubai but could also be a chozubachi or purification font As was already written, Shoboji houses one of the largest statues of Buddha in Japan. It was the 11th head priest of the temple, Ichyuu (Ichu) who planned for the construction of Gifu's Great Buddha in 1790. Sadly, he never saw the completed Bud...
Keep reading

Takayama City - Gifu

Image
Located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City  ( 高山 ) is said to be in the heart of the Japanese Alps. It also currently has the largest geographic area of any municipality in Japan . Takayama City  ( 高山 ) Takayama City History Takayama City is also called Hida-Takayama in reference to the old Hida province and also to differentiate it from other places in Japan with the same name. The name  Takayama  means "tall mountain", probably in reference to the mountains that surround it.  Takayama City's famed Sanmachi Suji Part of the town near the Old Town District as seen from our room in the hotel Walking the streets of Takayama City Crossing the Nakabashi Bridge The history of the creation of Takayama started with its establishment in 1889. During that time, it was the most populous municipality in Gifu Prefecture. In 1936, the town merged with the town of Onada forming the city of Takayama. It continued to grow as it annexed ...
Keep reading

Shirakawago - Gifu

Image
Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago ( 白川郷 ) is a famous historical mountain village in the northwestern part of the Hida Region.  Shirakawago   ( 白川郷 ) Shirakawago History The name Shirakawa   is taken from the traditional Japanese name of the region during ancient times.  Throughout time the region and its territories were reorganized and renamed. The name Shirakawa was then taken by the small mountain village which would then be included in the present-day Hida Region.  Shirakawago 's history dates back to around 1176 when its name first appeared in historical texts. However, artifacts like pottery which dates back to 7000-2300 BCE were excavated in the area.  Shirakawago - Gifu Prefecture Shirakawago as seen from Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Deck Check out the manhole cover of Shirakawago ! Gassho-style houses near paddy fields When the silk and gunpowder industry flourished in the village during the Edo era, the locals start...
Keep reading