To get to the Todai-Ji Temple in Nara, the former capital of Japan, you first encounter the free-roaming, people-friendly deer who just want a bite to eat. The adults took an hour train ride to Nara with our guide and visited this incredible temple while the kids were off at their home-stays in Sakai... we'll hear more about that when they return tomorrow. For a buck fifty, we bought deer crackers and attempted to have a civilized feeding, but the deer would just mob anyone with food and even nose into your pockets for anything edible... including money! This resulted in scenes of people running along tossing out food, trying to escape the deer mob, only to start a minor stampede across the grounds, much to the amusement of bystanders.The pitfals of hanging around the deer were depicted in this amusing signage along the route to the temple.
The temple, which was beyond the great entrance here, housed an enormous bronze budah, only about 3 centuries old, the original budah having been in a much larger temple that previously stood on these grounds more than 1000 years ago, flanked by 100 meter tall pagodas which were long gone.
Listen to the sounds of cicedas, tourists, mopeds and feet walking on stone on our stroll up to the Todai-Ji Temple.
Mark.... Glad to hear you made it to Nara and could glimpse the more mellow side of Japan. I loved the sound track of the ever-singing cicadas. I have pictures of myself feeding deer 25 years ago.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, when you get to Kyoto, in the evening, go to the Pontocho district for strolling amid the main nightlife area. It is so colorful -- you may even see a geisha in training. I bet your guide will lead you there---- between Shijo-dori (4th St.) and Sanjo-dori (5th St.) one block off the river. It is the best for nightlife. Restaurants can be expensive. Yakitori is always an inexpensitve bet. By the way, has anyone tried okonomiyaki --- it is a Japanese pancake made with eggs and often octopus --- very tasty for a light meal or snack.
Another summer delicacy is the unagi sushi --- barbequed eel in a teriyaki type sauce. It is rich in oil and is good for the diet in the hot weather.
Also when you get to Kuraskikki, there are some wonderful craft museums housed in old rice graineries, all located in a small radius. It is a good place for souvenirs - although a little expensive. Tell Galen that he should be able to find some good pottery shops there.
Thanks so much for all your blogging.
Suzanne
Sure glad to see that Ruth as the band members feeding out of her hands. This group looks like they would follow her anywhere....no problem!!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne