We took the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Fukuoka to Kyoto the next day, flying along in comfort at 140-150 miles an hour. Upon arrival, we departed for the Ancient Nara Tour in which we visited Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, the Giant Buddha Statue, Isuien Gardens, Kofukuji Temple, and the National Treasure Hall. Whew! Todaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple complex in the city of Nara. Nara Park is home to 300 Sika deer which are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion and are allowed to roam the grounds freely. They sell deer cookies, and when you have them in hand , the deer swarm you, nipping at your legs and trying to find paper in your pockets. It was a hoot and we all shared in the fun. After the feeding, it was on to the Great Buddha Hall which houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha. The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhaism.
The Isuien Garden was a delight. It was the prettiest garden I have seen on this trip, and the leaves had just started to turn. They have a fall color burst in Japan that must rival the one in New England. That, and the cherry blossoms in the spring are very special and bring lots of visitors to the country.
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| Looking for food |
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| Giant Buddha |
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| Relaxing in Nara Park |
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| Isuien Gardens |
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| The Gardens |
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| Kofukuji Temple |
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