Half an octopus that was still moving after it lost its head

Sapporo and Hakodate

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September 25th 2009
Sapporo Due to the long national holiday in Japan at this time, I was unable to find accommodation in Hakodate for that night, so I decided to spend a night in Sapporo instead. As it turned out this was a great plan as I had a fantastic day. I arrived in Sapporo at around midday, and as the hotels in Japan generally only allow check-in after 3pm, I stored my backpack in a locker at the ... read more

Asia » Japan

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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