Today was a trip out to Nara, which was the capitol of Japan before Kyoto from 710 to 784. The two characters on the left, Manto-kun and Sento-kun, are mascots of Nara.
Nara is not only famous for the giant Buddha at Todai-ji but also for the sacred protected deer that roam the city.
They might be cute, but remember these are wild animals!
Here's the gate to Kasuga Taisha.
And the aptly designed place to purify yourself before entering.
These are but a few of the hundreds (thousands?) of stone lanterns that can be seen all around the shrine.
There are also quite afew bronze lanterns as well.
A 1,000 year old cedar tree that is revered as sacred.
A short walk down the hill to Todai-ji. A wabi-sabi tree.
Was kind of hungry. Thanks to this warning, any lingering curiosity was quelled.
Walked around but settled for the store right on the corner. Tsukimi udon teishoku.
Went to look for batteries for my camera and got ready to see the largest wooden building in the world (despite it having been rebuilt 30% smaller than original) and a 50 foot tall bronze Buddha statue.
This is only the main gate.
Todai-ji!
Daibutsu!
A giant statue of Koumoku-ten is just stashed away in the corner with one of Tamon-ten occupying the other corner.
Even seeing the Daibutsu in comparison to one of the two wooden Kannon statues that sit on both sides is not really enough to try and comprehend how bit it is.
Apparently, someone didn't get any deer crackers, or doesn't care for them anymore.
Back at Kyoto station's upstairs food court: Kyoto style char-siu ramen!
Another night of checking out the food booths and other Gion festivities. I have no idea how much of the streets were shut down but this seemed to be the scene for at least several blocks in all directions.
I recommend the Tamago Senbei, Karaage and Ebisu.
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