Monthly Archives: March 2014

KYOTO (pop 1.5 million) is the main tourist city of Japan. The Kyoto basin was first settled in the 7th century, and by 794, it had become the capital of Japan and home of the Imperial family until 1868, when it … Continue reading →

JAPAN – Kyusu, South Honshu March 14-20 Another country, my twelfth this winter. Another currency (worth about 100 yen to the $US), driving on the left, another language that I don’t know a word of, and a people who speak … Continue reading →

Capital: Tokyo Government: Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy Area: total: 377,915 km². water: 13,430 km² Population: 127,960,000 (2011 est.) Language: Japanese (but no official language) Religion: Shinto and Buddhism (often both), Christian (0.7%) Electricity: 100V/50 or 60Hz (American plug, commonly … Continue reading →

South Korea March 4-14 I took the bus into Seoul (pop 24 million metro area) but the train would be faster and much cheaper (it was not in my Lonely Planet). Finding my hostel was an adventure as small street … Continue reading →

Capital – Seoul Government – Republic Currency Won (₩) Area total: 98,480 km² land: 98,190 km² water: 290 km² Population 49,044,790 (July 2007 est.) Language Korean, English widely taught in junior high and high school Religion No organized affiliation 31.5%,Christian … Continue reading →