Himeji View

Himeji and Hiroshima

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February 15th 2008
As a fan of castles, I had been looking forward to a visit to Himeji, which claims the most spectacular of Japan's originals. I arrived relatively late, and failing to find a hostel ended up shelling out for a business hotel (not that it was very expensive really!) At least breakfast was complimentary, but sadly it was Japanese style, so no bacon or toast in sight. I arrived at the castle at openi ... read more

Asia » Japan » Hiroshima

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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