Looking up at Himeji roof

Hiroshima and Himeji-jo

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February 15th 2007
We took a trip back up to Himeji, this old castle in Japan. It is the most visited Japanese castle and the main tower dates back to 1601. Inside the tower required great concentration and co-ordination in order to climb the steep small staircases between floors without losing your slippers! We went for a day trip to Miyajima, an island famous for its floating shrine and floating torii (gate) ... read more

Asia » Japan » Hiroshima

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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