A Castle in the Clouds

Phoenix Rising and the White Egret

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May 27th 2006
The title kind of sounds like a fable, doesn't it? A lone samurai warrior goes on a great quest, seeking the Phoenix rising from the ashes, and the mysterious and elusive White Egret (What is an egret? Apparently it's a type of bird...learn something new all the time!). However, this title basically sums up my weekend visit to the city of Kobe and nearby Himeji Castle. Although, I am far from ... read more

Asia » Japan » Hyogo » Kobe

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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