The best of traditions and modernity – Japan in 25 days

Stop 6 – Nara, Japan. Visited 11-12th October 2024

From Osaka, I proceeded to Nara, only 32 km away – almost a short commute. As I passed through Nara Park on my way to my accommodation, wild sika deer were already socializing with visitors like old pals, taking photos to cement the friendship.

Nara Park is also where some of the historical temples and shrines are located. The foremost of these is the Todaiji Temple. The first to greet visitors is the South Gate. It is enormous and bulky, like a stalwart old guard, weathering the inclement wind and rain, laying bare the cracks and grooves on its wooden columns, unshakably holding up the 2 floors over their heads. On both sides of the gate are giant statues of intimidating guardian deities. Then, the Central Gate appears, beaming a colorful and cheerful look. Finally, “Wow,” exclamations are heard as people walk past, catching their first sight of Todaiji Temple. It was an overwhelmingly massive and well-presented old wooden structure. It is one of the world’s largest wooden structures. 

Within walking distance are other historical temples and shrines – Nigatsudo Hall, Sangatsudo Hall, Kohfukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shine, and others, where the deer roam freely as sacred and national treasures.

Towards the end of the day, many sat on the lawn-carpeted slopes of Mount Wakakusa, enjoying the view of the old city and the peaceful moments. At the top was a lawn garden with playful deer and a great view of the city. Then, the sun became a pearl sitting atop the distant mountains, the blue sky became orange, and a golden sunset unfolded, whispering, “we shall meet again, as certain as the sun will rise again”.

To unwind after a whole day enjoying the sights, I sat down in a Japanese Izakaya, a casual pub-like after-work drinking place, to taste more Japanese culture, normally sandwiched on both sides by drinkers pretending to be diners. They serve small eats with alcohol – savor, not chomp; sip, not gulp, so over-feeding is less likely.

My second day in Nara was a Saturday and public holiday. Accommodation became extremely scarce and the prices were insane. I ended up sleeping on a chair in a computer games parlor, a taste of another Japanese subculture.

Nara, a place of tremendous small-town charm. My experiential travel in Japan continued.

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The best of traditions and modernity – 25 days in Japan

Itinerary: Tokyo>Nikko>Hakone>Kyoto>Osaka>Nara>Himeji>Hiroshima>Miyajima