Entry to cemetery

Zenpukuji

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October 20th 2008
The road that curves from the downtown section up into the hills flanks Zenpukuji, a temple constructed in 824. Starting in 1859, Zenpukuji temporarily served as home to Townsend Harris, the first American ambassador to Japan. The temple was chosen due to its high ceilings which more readily accommodated the height of the American ambassador. Ceilings in Japan are all around higher today, due ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Azabu-juban

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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