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Golden Week, Hokkaido

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May 5th 2009
Just returned from Japan's nothernmost island - Hokkaido. It was a bit chilly, but beautiful, with one of the most charming towns I've seen, Otaru. Host fam planned this one so as usual, we did lots of running around, hitting 3 different cities in a span of four days. Plans included a beer factory, a crazy resort, a zoo, lavender farm, and then Otaru. Before getting into the details, the even ... 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