Mount Hakadote

THE LAND OF THE RISING YEN

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October 5th 2009
Our cruise from Russia to Japan was a fog filled affair. For two days we had almost zero visibility. Thus every 90 seconds the ship sounded its horn as required by international maritime rules. If you are walking on deck the sound of the horn can make you jump. So when we took a Jacuzzi we wore earplugs to muffle the sound. I guess we are pretty dedicated hot tubbers to sit out in the fog and ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo

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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