Tsuruoka cat's cafe?

Nagano via Niigata and great udon in Karuizawa

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May 30th 2013
This is written on a shinkansen away from Nagano (we’ll get there eventually) back to Niigata where I transited to get to Nagano. With a rail pass it is usually quicker to get 2 shinkansens – apart from the fact that there is likely only 2 direct (slow) trains a day anyway. Last post was in Akita I think. Not all that much there to see as the old castle has long gone. There was also a bit of ... read more

Asia » Japan » Nagano » Karuizawa

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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