After Tokyo, we took the JR train to Nara. Nara is located in the Kansai region of Japan and is stunning. We stayed in our first Ryokan in Nara with the loveliest owner who took care of us in style. A Ryokan is like a bed and breakfast in the states except that it is in traditional Japanese style complete with tatami mats and bed rolls. It was probably the nicest Ryokan we stayed in over our entire trip. The rooms were lovely and our beds were awesome.
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| Me and my deer pal |
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| Dan decided to pet his friend |
In Nara we visited the Todaji temple, which is not only the largest wooden structure on earth but also home to the third largest Buddha in the world. The grounds are gorgeous and the structure is intimidating as you approach it. Inside the temple there is also a pillar where a hole has been cut through its base. Legend says that if you can make it through the hole, you will reach enlightenment in this life. Unfortunately only my mom and sister made it through and are looking forward to becoming enlightened in the near future. But it is worth all the laughs to watch people attempt.
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| Dan and I at the Todaji Temple |
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| My sister pulling her self to enlightenment. |
While in Nara we also visited the Kofukiji Temple, which was a set of family temples erected by the Fujiwara Clan; the Kasuga Taisha, which included a walk through the forest and a stop in the most beautiful botanical gardens; the Nigatsu-do, a beautiful shrine overlooking the town, especially at sunset; and Nara Park, which is filled with wild deer. The deer in Nara are not afraid of humans in the slightest, the actually walk right up to you looking for a snack and to be pet. It was a really cool experience and one that would never occur in the states!
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This was a killer dragon where you would purify yourself before
entering any temple or shrine. |
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| Nigatsu-do right before sunset. |
After Nara we headed off to Kyoto for a few days to experience the collision of old and modern Japan. Until tomorrow!
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