Japon Hokkaido dec2019 (133)

JAPAN , HOKKAIDO , OTARU

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December 23rd 2019
Otaru, a port city on the northern island of Hokkaido, about 40 km north west of Sapporo, enjoyed its boom period in the Meiji and Taisho periods as a herring fishing center and the terminal for Hokkaido's first railway between Otaru and Sapporo. Sometimes known as the "Venice of Japan," Otaru has preserved its historic and picturesque canals lined with brick warehouses and gas lights. The Venice ... read more

Asia » Japan » Hokkaido » Otaru

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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