The Backpack Adventures

Day 427: January 2, 2023 Monday – Hatsunode in Wakayama It's a cloudy morning here in  Kumatori ( 熊取町 ) My wife prepared breakfast for everybody This morning greeted us with a blanket of clouds, and the weather forecast predicted a slight chance of rain. We felt a bit anxious because today, we were set to partake in another Japanese New Year tradition, which primarily takes place outdoors. It's called hatsumode , the year's first temple or shrine visit. I was able to register my SIM Card before the deadline While waiting for everyone to get ready, I managed to register my Philippine SIM card, complying with the new law in the Philippines. Off to Wakayama for us after breakfast Kokawadera Chumon ( 中門 ) Mr. Toshi explained to Ella several traditions when they do hatsumode Like Mr. Toshi's family, we also offered some prayers and paid respects Kokawadera Kokawa Ubusuna Shrine Once we were all set, we drove to Kinokawa City ( 紀の川市 ) in Wakayama Prefecture to visit Kokawa...

Week 62: January 2 – 6, 2023 Day 427: January 2, 2023 Monday – Hatsunode in Wakayama It's a cloudy morning here in Kumatori. We prepared breakfast today. Can you guess what we're cooking? 😄 I registered my Philippine SIM as required by my country's new law. It`s a cloudy morning and according to the weather forecast, there would be a small chance that it would rain. We were a bit anxious as we will do another Japanese New Year tradition today and it`s mostly outdoor. It`s called hatsumode or the first temple or shrine visit for the year. While waiting for everyone to prepare I managed to register my Philippine SIM Card as required by the new law in the Philippines. We drove along Route 62 going to Wakayama Prefecture Nearing our destination for today - Kokawadera First things first, we purified ourselves at the temple's chozuya After everyone was ready, we drove to Kinokawa City ( 紀の川市 ) in Wakayama Prefecture to visit  Kokawadera . This is the second time for my fa...