Naomi ^_^

Two Castles, Ogres & Goodbye to Marugame

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June 15th 2009
On May 24th ~ Naomi agreed to spend the day with me and help me get to Bitchu-Matsuyama-jo (castle) in Okayama prefecture. It is pretty far into the countryside and up a mountain, making it a bit of a pain to get to without a car. So Naomi offered to drive me. ^_^ Bitchu-Matsuyama was built in the 1600s and is one of the 12 original castles, which makes 8 for me! It is also one of the few mountai ... 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