I like Nara. It is a small and friendly heart-warming town. Nara has a lot of charm. Immediately when we stepped of the train at the train station I felt at home. It is like it was 10 years behind all the other Japanese cities that I have seen so far. After being in Tokyo and Osaka, the difference is really striking. The shops are small and old-fashioned, the people are older and more relaxed, there is much nature around. And, of course, we had a clear blue sky, not a single cloud to be seen! We are so lucky! Nara reminds me of a health resort (Kurort). Nara is like the Cuxhaven of Japan. I felt so relaxed and happy in Nara.
What is also immediately striking when you get off the train is that there are so many tourists! The ratio tourist-locals is much higher than in Tokyo and Osaka, because Nara is so small.
The thing that I enjoyed most in Nara was to walk around in Nara Park. Nara is so small that everything is in walking distance. It was a perfect day: Sunny weather, surrounding nature, deer,... Yes deer! Nara's probably most attracting feature for me are the deer, which run around freely in the city. You can feed and touch them! It is funny, everywhere you look, begging Bambi-eyes look at you, craving some deer-cookies. These begging looks reminded me so much of our dog Lucky at home when she smells the dinner on our table! They give the whole city a very friendly flair. This is also because children love feeding and touching the animals, so Nara is also a family-friendly town.
Here is city where I can say without being accused a liar: "the deer ate my homework" ^^
Why are there so many deer in Nara? According to a historical document a deity appeared behind the Kasuga Grand Shrine (in Nara Park now) on a sacred white deer. Since then people started to sorwhip the deer as a sacred symbol. They have been carefully looking after them since then. Today, deer in Nara are a National Monument of Japan!
It is too bad, that we only had one day here. I would have loved to have two days to explore the city, drink in the atmosphere, look around in the small shops, take one more relaxed stroll in the park, look at some more temples and gardens...
I love Nara. Nara makes happy! (^_^)
A peaceful and charming town
Mochi with soybean powder - I wish I had tried it
Here they are made
At the Five Story Pagoda
Bambi wants some food
Deer everywhere!
Nara's symbol
Quiet streets, narrow pavements
The thing that I enjoyed most in Nara was to walk around in Nara Park. Nara is so small that everything is in walking distance. It was a perfect day: Sunny weather, surrounding nature, deer,... Yes deer! Nara's probably most attracting feature for me are the deer, which run around freely in the city. You can feed and touch them! It is funny, everywhere you look, begging Bambi-eyes look at you, craving some deer-cookies. These begging looks reminded me so much of our dog Lucky at home when she smells the dinner on our table! They give the whole city a very friendly flair. This is also because children love feeding and touching the animals, so Nara is also a family-friendly town.
Deer in Nara Park
More deer in Nara Park
It is so cute!
Tourists can buy deer food. The deer already wait there.
Fabian has some food and a follower
A very relaxing walk in Nara Park
You can touch the deer
One of the funniest moments of the day:
Here is city where I can say without being accused a liar: "the deer ate my homework" ^^
Why are there so many deer in Nara? According to a historical document a deity appeared behind the Kasuga Grand Shrine (in Nara Park now) on a sacred white deer. Since then people started to sorwhip the deer as a sacred symbol. They have been carefully looking after them since then. Today, deer in Nara are a National Monument of Japan!
Moss on lantern in Nara Park
Surrounded by deer. They want food!
Feeding a small one
Sight in Nara Park
Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine - looks like Kyomizudera in Kyoto.
Actually a lot in Nara reminds of Kyoto.
Nice view from the Shrine.
Still at the shrine
Todaiji Temple. There is a big Buddha statue (Daibutsu) inside. But I did not go inside.
Outside Todaiji Temple
Many families with children in Nara Park
My friend the deer
The deer are sacred animals in Nara.
Going downtown
Ara-ike pond
Deer everywhere. Even on the ground.
I love Nara. Nara makes happy! (^_^)
Nara and Cuxhaven? Really? :-)
ReplyDeleteYou could have right with bamby deers... They bring peaceful feeling. People in Nara think intelligent to let deers take part of their life : witty idea!
... Todaiji temple looks original japanese, and Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is well embedded in the environment! (Wau!) look!