Monks bringing in the New Year

Crazy monks go "bong!!"

---

January 2nd 2008
So Jeff finally made it, and soon after he got to the hotel, it was time to go out and figure out our plans for the New Year. I heard that one temple was good, but on the internet I was reading that this one close by Gion had Maiko and Geisha there, and afterwards everyone gathered in the park to drink and dance. So that place sounded cool. We get there, and its crazy. SO many people were out ther ... read more

Asia » Japan » Nara » Nara

---

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