A young couple

なら燈火会 -- Nara Tokae Lights Festival

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August 13th 2009
Nara, the ancient capital city of Japan, has many world heritage sites. I've visited most of the places on my first visit here three years ago. This time I came mainly to see the lights festival happening during O-bon week. Ben and I took a day trip to Nara at noon and wondered around the city until darkness arrived. Then more than 10,000 candles started to light up the whole place, giving it a fe ... read more

Asia » Japan » Nara

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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