Crossing the bridge

Travels in Kyoto

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August 7th 2006
A five hour bus ride throught the gorgeous green mountains of Shikoku, across the bridge to Honshu (Japan's main island) and into the ancient city of Kyoto. The inland sea was teeming with ships, freights, and day cruisers. Much of the countryside was green forest, even as we approached Kyoto city. The cities here are concentrated into smaller spaces where everyone lives on top of one another. But ... 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