Nara Cont

Oh Nara - you're so pretty!

Tōdai-ji

The great eastern temple in Nara - the largest wooden building in the world and home to the largest bronze Buddah statue in the world too!

His hands (mudras) symbolize - do not be affirad, I will protect you & I will grant all of your wishes :)

Earthshake!!!!

We were very lucky not to experience any devastating earthquakes during our stay - we did however get to experience an earthquake simulator chair and lemme tell you - good times were had!

Deer

The Nara Deer are amazing - they are a little aggressive sometimes when it comes to getting their deer biscuits but for the most part the are very tame AND the coolest thing ever is for whatever reason - the deer bow to you when you give them cookies. Sooo sweet and adorable! We have some video footage too but it needs to be a bit edited before we post it so stay tuned!

Their numbers are in the 1200's so as you can imagine they are very numerous :) We even got to see some fawns. Kawaii!

The Nara deer are regarded as heavenly animals, protecting the city and the country. I think they just stick around for the cookies ;)

Hello Nara

While staying in Kyoto we ventured a bit out of the city and did a one day walking tour of Nara (http://www.narawalk.com/). We were very fortunate as there was no other people signed up with us so we got a private tour with our fabulously sweet and charming guide, Reiko. Nara is such a sweet and beautiful city and I would recomend it to anyone visiting Japan :)

Sean and I infront of the Sarusawa Pond - the pond is filled with turtles which represent longevity.

Hōryū-ji temple grounds which feature the five story pagoda - one of the oldest wooden sturctures in the world! The top left picture is Yumedono or Nanendo Hall (Hall of dreams).

Rain on me

While walking back from the Shrine there was a little down poor - It was still so humid and beautiful though and it was about the only day on our whole trip we really had an significant rainfall so I can't complain. Our first true test as a newlywed couple was sharing the one tiny umbrella we had - we lasted 3 blocks before Sean ran into a store and purchased a new one :-)

Heian Cont

We were lucky and got a glimpse of a traditional Japanese wedding party at the shrine... and ducks :)



The Heian Shrine

A stunning lotus flower, an important part in Japanese culture. It signifies that even in a dark and muddy pond - something beautiful, pure and strong can emerge.

This is the Heian Shrine, composed of very large grounds and an amazing garden in the back to boot! I hear in the spring it is something of a spectacle when all the cherry blossom trees are in bloom :)

Japan is composed of two major religions - Shinto & Buddhism. Both have heaps of amazing Shrines and Temples to view and even the most sceptical travelers could appreciate the details and history of these ancient buildings.

Adventures in Kyoto: Part 1

One of the many amazing things about Kyoto is how you can walk 5 min one direction and end up in a traditional and beautiful old district like Gion or 5 min the other way to a busy urban shopping district filled with brand named stores! Lets not forget the numerous temples and shines preserved throughout the city! Sugoi!!!

Kyoto Time

Clip from our view on the train as we make way for Kyoto!

Kyoto is a beautiful city, home to apx 1.5 million people and some of the most famous and stunning landmarks of Japan. 4 days there is sooo not enough!