Todai-ji Temple holds the largest Buddha in Japan and it a popular site for tourists coming to Nara. It is also the largest wooden temple in the world. Though
it was obviously the highlight of Nara, as
observed by the sheer volume of people visiting, it still felt very spiritual
and special. Usually Adam and I don’t like large crowds, but here (here = Japan) we
are just SO much taller than everyone, you really don’t feel that crowded
because you can clearly see over everyone. We never have an issue finding each
other in a crowd if we get separated. Seriously, very few people are taller
than Adam’s elbow. It is hilarious to watch them watch him. Well, both of us
actually, as I am the only blonde, female, and so tall comparatively.
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple: Their school kiddos are super cute! |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple: Ornate lighting fixtures |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
There are actually 3 giant buddhas in the main temple.
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple:Charm gifts for the buddhas to grant your prayers |
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| Todai-ji Temple: Calligraphers to write out your prayers for submission to the buddhas |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
One of my highlights of the entire trip was the
Isui-en Garden in Nara.
Seriously, a captivating surprise. A place of escape, sanctuary, and absolute zen and beauty. I want this place to be my home, with the caveat this home being located where there is beach on the ocean immediately outside the gates. It is an absolutely
breath-taking “garden”. I use parentheses, as
this is more like a small park that has all of the details and care-takings of
a much loved and glorious personal garden. The flowers, plants, trees, moss
beds, waterfalls, koi ponds, and everything was just stunningly beautiful.
To top it off, it is free to international visitors!
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| Isui-en Garden: Despite a difficult entry, it was wonderful! |
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| Isui-en Garden |
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| Isui-en Garden: The Tea House |
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| Isui-en Garden |
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| Isui-en Garden |
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| Isui-en Garden |
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| Isui-en Garden |
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| Isui-en Garden |
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| Isui-en Garden |
And then it was time to explore the city and find lunch!
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| Liquid lunch? Adam's type of vending machine! |
We found a cute little restaurant on our walk,
Terakawa, and it was a wonderful surprise! It is owned by a guy younger than us, and he does everything. Seriously. He is a one-man operation of a 5 table place where he is the host, waiter, chef, cashier, and cleaner.
He was a young and wonderful guy, who has only
been open for the past two months. I know that he will be a complete success with how awesome our entire experience was!
We ordered two sobas (buckwheat noodles) with two
different broths, incredible ahi (tuna) sashimi, and seared pork belly. The
broths were so rich and dynamic in flavor. I almost enjoyed watching Adam enjoy
the broth more than I enjoyed the broth myself.
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| I didn't know that chopstick rests were a thing! |
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| I love how Japan makes their man hole covers so ornately, and each city has their own style! |
