my new Kyoto friend!

Japan part II -- Karen's update

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December 17th 2008
Konichiwa! The second half of our trip was just as fun and exciting as the last. We headed off to Koyasan by train. Heading into this beautiful country was finally what I wanted. I realized that Tokyo and Osaka were nice, but very built up and urbanized. I was looking for more green, and places that have the traditional Japanese looking roof tops. Koyasan provided just that. It's located up ... read more

Asia » Japan » Wakayama » Koyasan

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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