Sumiyoshi shrine shinto offices

The last of the shaky isles

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June 17th 2008
Well June 14th was certainly a memorable one. The weather in Otaru, placed about 43 degrees north of the equator, is understandably cool and mild at this time of year. I have so far been fortunate with good traveling conditions, especially when carting a pack about up and down train platforms and getting all hot and sweaty at times (such as in the wet season in Kyuushuu or Shikoku), doing it is ... read more

Asia » Japan

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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