After an hour shinkansen ride from Himeji to Kyoto Station, we boarded a bus for Nara. I decided the best way to see Nara in the short time we had, was to register for an afternoon tour visit to some main hotspots. In the evening, we would return and spend the night in Kyoto.
Again, because of ohanami season, Kyoto was especially busy upon arrival. It was evident when we could find not even one vacant locker throughout the entire station to keep our bags for the afternoon. We checked several areas and were informed by the station officials that all lockers were being used. Incidentally, after leaving the men's room, Rodney happened to walk by at the perfect time when a couple was retrieving their things, so just like that, he secured the locker.
Mass of crowds heading toward Todaiji Temple
TODAIJI TEMPLE
The relaxing bus drive took over an hour before we arrived the first destination, Todaiji Temple located in Nara Park. In 752, when Nara was the first capital of Japan (710 to 784), Todaiji was constructed as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in the country. According to our tour guide, who spoke English, Todaiji is reportedly the largest existing wooden structure in the world.
NARA DAIBUTSU - The Great Buddha of Nara
The Todaiji Temple houses the massive Nara Daibutsu. Weighing at 500 metric tonnes and standing at 30 metres tall, Nara Daibutsu is the largest in all Japan. It is made of copper and bronze.
Each finger of the Daibutsu can be compared to the size of an adult human being
A guardian statue in Todaiji Temple
Standing before the Nandaimon (Great South Gate)
The present temple was reconstructed in the middle of the Edo Period (1603-1867), after being destroyed by fires and earthquakes. It is an enormous structure when you see it close at hand. However, its only two-thirds the original size. Imagine that!
Someone's got tired little feet!
A beautful sakura tree infront of Todaiji Temple
KASUGA TAISHA TORII
Spreading across the foothills of Mt. Mikasa is Kasuga Shrine, our final stop of the tour.
Kasuga Taisha, or Kasuga Shrine, was officially founded in 768 by the Fujiwara Family.
The long and peaceful pathway leading up to the shrine is adorned with three thousand stone lanterns. The lanterns were donated over the years by common people as tokens of faith and thankfulness.
The sacred Nara Park deer creeps up close for a photo...or food. It was impressive to see some of the deer bowing their heads in appreciation when given food. Only in Japan...
The shrine is famous for its many bronze lanterns. Here, mom stands amidst the lanterns lined up along the main worship hall.
Peek-a-boo
Walking on sunshine
Aboard the bus to head back toward our final destination, Kyoto.
Our leisure time to explore the shrine was cut short, since we had spent a while in gridlock traffic. Our cheerful tour guide was thorough in in her explanations of the area's historic importance. Overall, we were satisified with Sunrise Tours.
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