Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Nara - Japan's First Capital

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April 1st 2011
I gradually became aware of the sun shining through the shoji (paper screen window) of my room. I checked my alarm clock and saw it was 10 o' clock. So much for a reasonably early start - I'd forgotten to set my alarm. Still I'd had an excellent night's sleep on my futon. I'm staying in a ryokan, so the room has a tatami mat floor and a futon to sleep on. It also has its own ba ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kyoto » Kyoto

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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