Yesterday we went to Nara, one of the former capitals of Japan, and only about 40 mins train ride from Osaka.
It is a much smaller place than most Japanese cities, which made a refreshing change from all the concrete tower blocks that dominate Osaka - I was amazed to see grass and trees again!!! From the station in Nara, we walked up the hill and came to Kofuku Temple, which had a five storey pagoda as well as several other lovely buildings. It was here that we first encountered the Nara deer. Deer are believed to be messengers from the gods, and are therefore protected as a National Treasure. They roam the city freely, allowing tourists to pet them and feed them biscuits!
We then headed up to Todaiji Temple, although I think we ended up taking a much longer route than necessary, which took us up, down and around a mountain on the way! The first part of the temple that we came to had Buddhist gravestones, a few small buildings, and a large building with lots of pretty lanterns made of metal hanging from the edge of the roof. From here, the view across the area was impressive! Then we went down the hill to the second part of the temple - the world's biggest wooden building, containing a 16m high Buddha statue! There is actually a hole cut through one of the wooden pillars inside the temple which is the same size as one of the Buddha statue's nostrils, and it is said that if you crawl through it, it will help you towards becoming enlightened! I felt a bit claustrophobic once I had got my head and shoulders inside - alas, I fear I will never achieve enlightenment!
After Nara, we went out for tea with friends to a yakiniku restaurant, where you cooked your own meat on a hotplate. 1980 yen for 90 minutes all you can eat - mmm...!
Today we have just relaxed and explored some more of our local area. Last night we walked part way home and very naughtily "stole" two posters on the way. (Well they were only sellotaped to the wall, and they were advertising a rival company, so that's our excuse!) The reason we took them is that Ewan McGregor advertises rival English school AEON, but the pictures of him that they use are so cheezy that anyone in England who saw them would cringe! So now they adorn the walls of our flat - very tasteful...!
Bye for now,
Nicola.