Osaka

Osaka-jo and Tennoji-Koen

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April 20th 2006
We had a busy day. After picking up coffee from Starbucks we got on a train to go to Osaka-jo. We got off a few stops early, but realized our mistake quickly, and got back on. We found the castle quickly and walked up the long way -- through the gardens and moats. We got to the top right at 9am, and there were a TON of students there. We went inside and got to go to the top and look out over ... read more

Asia » Japan » Osaka

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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