Included in our tour is a Japanese-Western style buffet where I had unlimited supply of green tea ice cream (heaven!). After our sumptuous lunch, we continued on our tour and went on a trip to Nara.
Nara
Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784. Nara is located less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples.(Nara Travel Guide)
Nara Park
Being able to visit this already three years ago, this is one of the stops that I look forward to. I was excited because I know my little girl will get giddy to see huge deers roaming around the area.
The deers are tame and considered to be messengers of God in Shinto. You can feed them with deer crackers available for sale around the park though most of them are not choosy. Three years ago, we bought crackers yet the lovely deer opted to munch hub's map which was originally in his back pocket.
In this park is another special spot :)
Being a lover of before and after photos (and it's #throwbackthursday today!), jaraaan -- another compare and contrast :) Teehee!!
Todai-ji Temple
This serves both as place of prayer for peace and affluence on earth, as well as a center of the Buddhist doctrinal research.
Todai-ji Tample was burned in the fires of war and the was damaged and repaired several times. The current structure is now 33% smaller than that of the actual structure, yet it still ranks as the largest wooden structure in the world.
The building houses the 15 meters tall seated buddha -- Vairocana Buddha -- Buddha that shines throughout the world like the sun.
A pillar with a hole in its base is another attraction in the temple. The hole is the same size as the Buddha's nostril and it is said that those who can pass through the opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life.
And no, I didn't dare try to pass through it :)
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha is Nara's most celebrated shrine. It is famous for its lanterns which have been donated by worshippers.
That photo was from our 2010 trip. I don't have recent photos because hubs and I (with our toddler) did not join the group anymore in climbing the steps to the shrine. It was the last stop of our tiring yet fun whole day tour and we already got tired of running after our toddler so we decided to pass our selves from the ordeal of going up and down the stairs and just waited for the grannies to get down :)
For more info about the Kasuga Shrine, please read here.
JTB Sunrise Tour Website
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