Torii

Kyoto

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November 13th 2005
We are still in Kyoto but leave for China tomorrow. Yesterday I woke up at 8 am and went to a temple with Natalie, Dad and Mom. The temple was very beatiful with stone paths that went through decorated sand fields. Natalie and Dad went into one of the rooms to meditate with a group of people and 2 monks. One monk had a long stick that he would hit people with that wanted to be hit. First you would ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kyoto

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more