The road to the park

The Snow Monkeys of Nagano

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April 17th 2008
If Tokyo is revered for its contemporary architecture, man-made structures bearing the weight of the sky, then Nagano, four hours to the north, boasts nature’s skyscrapers, a snow-capped canopy protecting the sleepy towns that hug its sides. Nagano is fondly referred to as the roof of Japan, and houses Japan’s Alps, offering some of the best skiing in the world. It was also the site of the 1 ... read more

Asia » Japan » Nagano

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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