Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima

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October 9th 2006
We took the train to Hiroshima and first visited Miyajima. It's good to try to time your visit with a high tide to experience the shrine and torii floating over water. Itsukushima Shrine is the reason for Miyajima's fame (Miyajima means "shrine island"). The shrine, which is partially constructed over water and features the famous floating torii gate, dates back to the 6th century. The islan ... 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