The Backpack Adventures

The  Ninenzaka ( 二寧坂 ) and Sannenzaka ( 産寧坂 ) Preserved Districts  are two interconnected historic districts that are famous for the well-preserved  machiya  or traditional buildings that line up its stone-paved streets. These districts are located in the Rakuto Area of Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Japan .  Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Preserved Districts These scenic streets also serve as the main thoroughfare to some of Kyoto's most visited temples and landmarks. Aside from that, most of the traditional Japanese buildings in these districts are actually souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, and inns that attract throngs of tourists. Ninenzaka District Ninenzaka District Check out the crowd Can you spot the Starbucks branch? Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks branch revisited If you're coming in from the northern part of the Rakuto Area, you'll first reach Ninenzaka. This district is officially called Ninenzaka Slope and is actually the older of the two districts as it was co

Located at 526-2 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City, the Ryozen Kannon ( 霊山観音 )   is a war memorial that commemorates the war dead in the Pacific War Theater during the Second World War.  Ryozen Kannon  ( 霊山観音 ) Ryozen Kannon History Ryozen Kannon - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture The Main Gate to the Ryozen Kannon vicinity. The Ryozen Kannon is famous for its impressive 24-meter (80 ft) tall statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Kannon). The massive concrete and steel 500-ton statue was built by Hirosuke Ishikawa and unveiled on June 8, 1955.  Ryozen Kannon and Memorial to the Unknown Soldier Who Perished in World War II Ryozen Kannon as seen from the parking area Ryozen Kannon Admission Fee The large Chochin Lantern of Ryozen Kannon Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara , also known as the Goddess of Mercy, was built to honor the war dead of World War II, both Japanese and Allied soldiers. The giant statue is the centerpiece and probably the highlight of the war memorial. However, on

Located at different parts of Higashiyama District in Kyoto City, the Higashiyama Healing Buddhist Statues refer to the 9 Buddhist statues and altar objects that are believed to grant those who touch them with specific blessings and/or protection.  Higashiyama Healing Buddhist Statues Higashiyama Healing Buddhist Statues Details These Buddhist statues are called by many names like Furebotoke, Sawaribotoke, or Iyashihotoke . Visitors are urged to touch these statues or altar objects with their right hand or both hands to receive the blessings or generally merits.  Higashiyama Healing Buddhist Statues Below are the 9 Healing Buddist Statues , where to find them, and what merits one can receive for touching them. 1. Statues of Hideyoshi and Nene Location: Kodaiji Temple vicinity near the Temmangu Merit(s): It is believed that those who touch these statues get merits for a happy marriage. For those who are single, it is believed that they will get merits for being surrounded by many g