Nishi Hongan-ji

Last days in Japan

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March 30th 2007
Hi all Moved on to Kyoto Went around Imperial　Palace today on pre-arranged tour Lovely grounds and blossom at last getting to be its best but a week later would be better Seen Golden Pavillion and Zen gardens at Ryoanji temple 15 rocks arranged within a gravel raked setting Very peaceful Took a walk from the hotel to Yasaka shrine opposite The gate is being restored but inside there are a ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kyoto » Kyoto » Gion

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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