Nara

Nara was another day trip we took when we were staying in Osaka (in the Kansai Region). We were told that Nara was a majestic place where deer are considered a national treasure and roamed around amazing shrines. It was true. We assumed there would be a deer or two wondering around and hoped we got to see one. But, they were everywhere! They are so calm and comfortable around people, they walk right up to you and nudge your leg looking for some company and a biscuit. We couldn't believe it! We were pretty sure that we were dreaming.
On our way to Nara Park, we saw this small shrine and gravestones draped in red cloth.

I love Pagodas so much! They are my favorite type of Japanese architecture.

Japan is so spiritual.

What?! They let you touch them?!!



Prayers hung on a cherry blossom tree:

Deer everywhere! The story is that one of the gods of the temple arrived on a white deer, so the deer were then considered sacred and divine animals. Killing one of them was punishable by death until 1637. They have been downgraded from sacred to National Treasure sometime after WWII. It is illegal to kill or harm them, but the punishment wouldn't be so harsh anymore. They seem pretty happy.

Drew was talking to this one. They actually make a noise - it was sort of a low barking noise. I tried to remind them that deer don't make noise like that, but they didn't listen.




We walked up a path to look at the city and the many shrines on the hill.

Japan is so beautiful and different and wonderful. If you ever get the chance, GO!