Flags

"They're after your crackers 'deer'"!!

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July 8th 2008
Nara was an easy day trip on the shinkansen from Kyoto. Most of the important sights are in an area called Nara-koen, which is home to hundreds of supposedly wild Deer. Deer are considered sacred, and are believed to be messengers from the gods and so are treated with up-most respect. You can even buy crackers to feed to them, which Dan thought was a brilliant idea....until he was surrounded by ... read more

Asia » Japan » Nara » Nara

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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