alps

Skiing in the Japanese Alps

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April 28th 2006
Wow we've spent the last two days skiing in the end of season snow in the Japanese Alps. It's been brilliant with a cloudy start and great sunshine since... We're staying at K's House - which is a nearly new hostel, which is really nice and very friendly! They've just offered us a trip to the Japanese Onsen - shared hot springs - with no clothes... no pictures I think ... :-) ... read more

Asia » Japan » Hokkaido

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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