On day 4, we decided to visit Nara in the morning and Umeda sky building in the evening. The journey from Shinsaibashi to Nara takes around 45mins to 1 hour. We took the Midosuji subway from Shinsaibashi to Tennoji and change to the JR Nara line.
Pic 1: JR Nara Line
Pic 2: Takeaway at Tennoji Stations
Pic 3: Nara station. We were at Nara on 7th April
Our first destination in Nara is Todaiji temple otherwise known as the Eastern Great Temple. The temple have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site as Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. The Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden building in the world and it houses the world's largest statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known to the Japanese simply as Daibutsu. Thw wooden building have been rebuild twice after fire apparently 30% smaller than the original predecessor.
According to the information counter, the temple is within 20-30minutes walking distance. However, we decided to take the bus there and take a stroll back to the station. The bus ride cost 200Yen per person.
Pic 4: The bus route to Todaiji temple.
On the way, we pass a couple of open park. Soon we find out that deers roam around Nara city freely. They are known as Sika Deer regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion. Hence there you have it, our main focus to photograph for the day.
Pic 5: Deers welcoming us as we alight from the bus
Pic 6: Path to Todaiji Temple. Deers leading the way
Pic 7. You could see they love 's' instantly. In case you are wondering, S is holding the deer food we purchase for 150yen.
Pic 8. S tried to hide the food in the pocket, but the deers are really smart.
Pic 9. Food, come and get your food.... S caught in between
Pic 10: S posing with deers.
Pic 11: Entrance of Todaiji Temple
Pic 12: Entrance of Todaiji Temple
Pic 13: Don't you dare snatch my food.
Pic 14: PH to the rescue. Calming the situation. Everything can be discussed
Pic 15: Map of Todaiji. Huge area to cover to the day, i mean few hours.
Pic 16: Pond & torii gate in front of the Great buddha hall entrance.
Pic 17 : Entrance to the Todaiji main temple
Pic 18: S posing in front off the middle gate to Great Buddha temple. One of the many photos without the deers.
Pic 19: Map of Todaiji temple. Seems to be everywhere so it's fairly safe and easy to navigate around Nara.
Pic 20: Close up of the Todaiji Temple map
Pic 21: The middle gate to Great Buddha Hall
Pic 22: Great Buddha Hall
Pic 23: Great Buddha Hall
Pic 24: Buddha Vairocana in Great Buddha Hall
Pic 25: Stairways to ??
Pic 26: Todaiji Temple miniature replica.
Pic 27. "A supporting post in the Daibutsuden has a hole apparently the same size as one of the Daibutsu's nostrils. Legend has it that those who pass through it will be blessed with enlightenment in their next life." - Wikipedia.
After that, we head off to Nigatsudo hall as recomended by theperson at the information counter. Apparently you will get a very nice view of Nara from the balcony of Nigatsudo Hall. The hall is located towards the east of the Great Buddha Hall
Pic 28: The belfry
Pic 29: Sakura in full bloom. Notice that is it "raining sakura" when the wind blows
Pic 30: S posting in front of the sakura trees
Pic 31: It's raining sakura...
Pic 32: See, it's all over the ground.
Pic 33: Another potrait shoot.
Pic 34: The belfry
Pic 35: On the way to Nigatsudo Hall
Pic 36: Deer posting in front of souvenir stall on the way to Nigatsudo hall
Pic 37: Pathway leading to Nigatsudo Hall
Pic 38: Superstar pose
Pic 39: Model pose :)
Pic 40: Bend a little over......*muak*
Pic 41: Stop by for lunch/tea in front of Nigatsudo hall
Pic 42: Nigatsudo Hall
Pic 43: Nigatsudo Hall
Pic 44: On the way to the balcony of Nigatsudo Hall
Pic 45: Balcony of Nigatsudo Hall
Pic 46: View from the balcony of Nigatsudo Hall
Pic 47: Potrait taken against the wall of Nigatsudo Hall
Pic 48: Area to wash your hands before praying :)
Pic 49: Pathway leading down to towards Great buddha hall
Pic 50: Nigatsudo Hall Balcony
Pic 51: Long way down....
Pic 52: Pass a nice Japanese house on the way down
Pic 53: Another house with sakura in full bloom.
Pic 54: S recording the sakura falling as the wind blows.
Pic 55: Trying to get the deer to pose for the camera. Attempt no 888
