Kyoto

The search for Christmas in Japan

---

August 7th 2007
When I asked my friend, Jon, what he thought of Japan after his travels there he paused for a moment and then said: "well, it's just like Christmas". This enigmatic statement made me even more curious to visit Japan and by the time I touched down in Tokyo I was dying to discover what he meant. TOKYO First impression were disappointing and the walk to the city shuttle bus was nothing like Chris ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo

---

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