View from the Parade

Day Fifty One: Sanja Matsuri

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May 17th 2008
I wasn't planning to go to the Sanja Matsuri Festival today but it was so lovely when I woke up I decided what the hell, maybe I would go stand amongst piles of people in a huge crowd and see what Japanese festivals are all about. It was soooooo much better than I could have anticipated - true it was crowded but as I was by myself I managed to push my way through to the best spot to meet my friend ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Akasaka

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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