Chronicles of Nara

On Tuesday, May 18th, we travelled by train to the city of Nara which is about 80 miles southeast of our temporary home in Hikone.

Nara is deeply steeped in Japanesse history.  In 710, it became the first Japanese capital and although it kept that status for only 74 years, this period marked the flourishing of Japanese arts, crafts and literature. Buddhism grew and prevailed during this time as well with the building of many shrines, pagodas and palaces.

And thanks to historical foresight, many of these structures remain intact within extensive parks and gardens around the city.

Following arrival at the Nara train station, we trekked to a nearby restaurant for lunch cooked Okonomiyai-style.  The word means "as you like it" in Japanese and guidebooks describe it as Japanese pizza or pancakes often cooked right at the table.   Our meals were more omlet-like with a wide array of ingredients and spices - absolutely delicious!

After lunch we set off to visit  Japan's giant Buddha at the Todaiji Temple in Nara Park.  At the outskirts of the park we encountered dozens of the park's tame deer herd patiently awaiting snacks of special deer crackers available from street vendors.  We came home that night with far more deer photos than expected.

The temple and park were spectacular and no doubt a popular spot judging from the size of the crowd.