Kiyomizu-dera

Where Tradition is Stored

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March 12th 2009
Kyoto is supposed to be one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. For that reason, I've booked 5 nights at the Kyoto Hostel (sister hostel of the one I stayed at in Tokyo). I've been told over and over that if there's any one place that I need to visit in Japan, its Kyoto. Its kind of a downer that the sky is crying my first day there - I barely leave the hostel all day and wander for just a c ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kyoto » Kyoto » Gion

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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