Nara

After a very crowded look at Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple, we traveled further countryside to the smaller town of Nara. The main attraction in Nara is the Todaiji Temple and it’s object of worship, the bronze and gold Vairocana Buddha. The Todaiji temple is the largest wooden structure in the world. The sika deer, regarded as messengers of God, roam freely around the temple and park grounds.

Ryan in front of Roo in front of Kiyomizu Temple. The main hall (further back) stands on tall pillars on the mountain side.

We saw many ladies dressed in pretty kimono.

Geisha at Kiyomizu Temple

Beneath the main hall is the Otowa waterfall, where three channels of water fall into a pond. Visitors can catch and drink the waters, which is believed to have therapeutic properties. Drinking the water of the three streams is said to confer wisdom, health, and longevity. However, some Japanese believe that you must choose only two; if you are greedy and drink from all three, you invite misfortune upon yourself.

A coin collector outside the temple.

Trying to feed a deer in Nara Park. There were so many tourists the deer must had their fill of crackers by late in the day.

The entrance to Todai-ji Temple.

The Great Buddha Hall at Todai-ji: Frontage 187.03 ft, Depth 165.61 ft, Height 159.89 ft.

Virocana Buddha: Body Height 48.91 ft.