Nara

Nara was the the first capital (the emperor’s home) of Japan from 710 to 784.  It is now a medium sized city (pop 367,000) wedged between Kyoto and Osaka.  It makes for an easy day trip from Kyoto taking a little over 30 minutes and one change of trains from our Airbnb in Kyoto. We abbreviated our original plans since we got a late start and Angie wasn’t feeling 100%.  The main draw for us was opportunity to see and feed “wild” deer and to visit the Todai-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a large wooden temple from the 8th century housing the world’s largest bronze Buddha. 

We enjoyed the time in Nara even though it felt crowded with tourists. Angie’s stamina didn’t last so she found a bench to rest on while I visited the Todai-ji temple solo. 

Deer crakers are the only food that should be fed to the deer. Once they know you have food, they can be quite persistent

The main gate to Todai-ji temple. Deer pretty much walked wherever they wanted and were unbothered by people

Buddha in Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest brass Buddha

This hole in a beam is said to be the same size as the budha’s nostril. If you can fit through you will have enlightenment in the next life. The hole looked larger than a buddha’s nostril to me.