Ohanami in Osaka

Japanese farmers

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April 2nd 2011
My alarm broke me out of my sleep. I was early enough today to go downstairs for breakfast. The lady who checked me in – possibly the ryokan owner – was there, together with another lady and a little boy. The ryokan owner handed me the menu, whereupon I said, ‘megane’ (glasses), struggling to find my glasses in my bag. Both ladies laughed – they were both wearing ‘megane’. I ordered ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kyoto » Kyoto

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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