Yori and Maria at lunch in traditional Izakaya

Kamakura and Yokohama

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September 7th 2009
Kamakura and Yokohama Many of Japan's cities offer a Free Guide service, an opportunity for visitors to be shown around the various points of intersetin the city, and in return an opportunity for the guides to perhaps practice their English and learn about different cultures. It was through such a service, the Tokyo Free Guide, that I met Nori and Maria. Nori is a Japanese man who ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo

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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