The Shrine that Started it All

The Center of the Universe? I vowed never to use that phrase

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July 18th 2006
06/7/17 Gion Matsuri!! Holy crap did I have a fantastic weekend! I got to Kyoto at 10 AM on Saturday morning. The first I did was drop my luggage off at Maki’s room and take a rest (I woke up at 6 to get there before the huge rush). I was actually feeling a little sick, but Maki was great about it. I kept apologizing for us having to take breaks about every half an hour for me to sit and g ... 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