Incense burner

North to Nikko

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April 10th 2006
We travelled to Nikko via Shinkansen (bullet train) and then transferred to a local train, arriving about 8pm when most of the town was closed. Our leader brought out the origami paper when we were on the local train and had us making paper cranes - which had the locals in stitches and soon the whole car was involved in the process. I'm afraid they despaired of us ever having the ability to grasp ... read more

Asia » Japan » Nikko

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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