Kyoto Tower

When Monkeys Attack

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January 8th 2008
Iwatayama Monkey Park in Kyoto's scenic mountains was the best destination of this trip so far, and easily ranks as one of the coolest experiences of my life. When most people see monkeys, they see them in zoos, caged. At Iwatayama, the macaques (if I remember Anthropology 101 correctly) roam free and alongside visitors. At first, I was amazed. Then, as one threatened to attack me while I was reco ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kyoto » 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