DSC01952

July 24, 4:12 am

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July 24th 2009
From my journal this morning: "It's been a trying couple days. First night I stayed in Ueno First City Hotel. Somehow, it was both nicer and shadier than I expected. The logic of the $90 night price tag was that I'd be so jetlagged and tired after the long trip, I'd appreciate the comforts of a real hotel for one night, before downgrading to the dirtier hostels. The place was easy enough to fin ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Shinjuku

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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