Nakata B&B

Feed the deer in Nara Koen (Nara Park) :)

by catchan

Nara Park is home to many tame deer. Visitors can buy 'senbei' (crackers) at about JPY 150 per bundle and feed it to the deer. These cute critters have very sharp eyes; they know a senbei bundle when they see one. So be ready and do not panic when they start to crowd around you and try to get you to feed them. Make sure you have enough, as they really get competitive with each other.

I thought they looked cute but when one bit my leg, I changed my mind about them. Mind you, the bite really hurt!

Todaiji

by elcbw

Todaiji ("Great Eastern Temple") is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara.

Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower its influence on government affairs.

Not only is Todaiji housing Japan's largest Buddha statue (Daibutsu), but it is also the world's largest wooden building, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple's size.

Nara Deer Park.

by A2002

Picture shows one of the two Lords guarding at the entrance to Todaiji Temple. The two lords are very huge made from stones holding their own weapons to protect the temple.

From the picture you can see a hungry deer trying to eat up my map! Perhaps the map looks like biscuits for the deer which are almost the same colour and flat, as those biscuits sold for feeding the deers.
Lotsa deer droppings on the floor too!

Go To Nara!!!

by oneprincesslea

"The pagodas are magnificent"

I went to Nara on December 31, 2005 and I got to see some really ancient, ANCIENT places. If you go, of course you must go to Nara Park. I recommend going here first, because it is a beautiful and gentle introduction to Nara. Beware of the hungry and feisty deer! One tried to eat some postcards I was carrying.

"The pagodas are magnificent"

This was the first time I had ever seen pagodas. They are quite remarkable, and they made me wonder what possessed the architects/builders of the time to create such gorgeous and unusual places. I am sure there is a reason that I do not know...oops! Anyway, I could stare at them forever.

"New Years is a great time to go!"

I was very fortunate to visit Nara on during the New Years holiday. I also visited Kyoto, which is a Great place on New Years. The Japanese call the first visit to the shrine on New Years :Hatsumode:, and many people crowd to a special shrine and recieve their fortune. I got mine, and it was mediocre haha. If it is not the best fortune you can recieve, you are supposed to tie it to a tree. I kept mine though.

Light Up Promenade in Nara

by moacha

"The five-storied pagoda"

In every year, Jul 1 to Oct 31,Various historical buildings in Nara are lit up at night. The sites include Yakushiji Temple, the five-storied pagoda of Kofukuji Temple, Nandaimon Gate, Daibutsuden Hall, Kongo Rikishi Statues of Todaiji Temple and Suzakumon Gate of Heijokyo Palace, showing their fantastic profiles against the night sky.
It is called " Light up promenade "
This picture the five-storied pagoda ( tower ) in Kofukuji-temple.
It is majestic and beautiful.

"Kofukuji-temple ( Tokon-do )"

There is no gate in Kofukuji-Temple. From the north side in Nara Park "Noborioogi ", I entered and reached the precincts of this temple.
It had the power which rules the " Yamato " country at the Heian period.

Now, it is registered with the world's cultural heritage.
Although there are many deer daytime, when I came, they disappeared.
Where do they have gone?

"The ponde " Sarusawa ""

The willows are planted in the circumference of this pond and there is tasteful atmosphere.
If lit up, the shadows of willows reflect on the water surface of a pond, and it is visionary.
This pond have the legend " Uneme "
" Uneme " is a court lady who serves a king in the acient.
In the Nara period,one Uneme who was sad about the king's love for her having declined,threw herself into this pond.This is " Uneme "legend.

"Nanen-do"

The figure of structure of an octagon circle draws a beautiful silhouette in the moonless night. It is so visionary by the light up.
So here is one of the "amulet-issuing offices", in daytime,the scent of an incense stick drifts continuously and have the atmosphere with a popular.
Individually, I like this place very much.
On October 17 every year, specially, we are able to show around the interior of this. It is famous.

"Nara National Museum"

This museum is a building of the European-style building structure which exists on the way from Nara Park to a Hall of the Great Buddha.
In Buddhist art, it is proud of the No.1 quality and quantity of Japan .
http://www.narahaku.go.jp/index_e.html
http://www.narahaku.go.jp/guide/english.pdf

"" A " and " Unn ""

This is wooden sculpture most famous for Japan.
The Deva king image ( Kongo-rikishi ) of two bodies is famous also for Unkei and Kaikei having commanded a family and having manufactured in 75 days.
The look of the two Deva kings of two bodies is said " A " and " Unn "respectively.
If it dares say in English, "Oh " and " Yes " or "Why? " and " Um! ".

"Nandai-Mon"

The precincts of a temple of night are quiet and beautiful.
In daytime, it is full of "The excrements of the deer", but now is lost and clean.
When I was walking in a calm feeling, One deer pounced on me suddenly.
It was very fearful, happy I excaped injury. Although in early autumn the antlers are already cut in many cases, they are in the midst of child-rearing so with a violent feeling, they may begin to run here suddenly. it will be careful of the "deer" .

"Hall of the Great Buddha ( Daibutuden )"

This is one of the temples representing in Japan, is registered with world heritage and the Symbol existence of Nara.
Naturally, in the night, internal inspection cannot be performed. But grand dignity is transmitted for me.
Emperor Shomu who advances country structure consisting mainly Buddhism of the Nara period and it was founded The Great Buddha erection is the 1 large project which put national power, and the enlightment Buddhist service was the great occasion in 752.