Deer in Nara to Night Life in Okasa
Goodbye Kyoto
We had an early traditional breakfast at our ryokan/hotel before heading with our luggage to the Kyoto train station.
Morning Snacks in Nara
Upon arrival in Nara we check our bags in storage and I buy a green tea ice cream…yes I know it’s only 10:15am.
We check out a very popular mochi store and watch them make them. Of course we buy some.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
We walk for about 20 minutes to Kasuga Taisha Shrine (786 AD) which is a UNESCO world heritage site know for its many lanterns on the shrine and in the grounds.
Deer, Deer, Everywhere
There are friendly deer everywhere…hoping for handouts. Deer are revered here because it is said that the shrines deity rode in on a white deer.
There are signs warning people about the male deer…it is always the males. And they make these loud squealing/creaking sound.
The deer are everywhere, and I mean everywhere, in the parks, temple grounds, streets, into garbage cans even being chased out of restaurants. They are friendly and let you pet them. Click here for a short video.
Wakamiya Jinja Shrine
Nearby we check out Wakamiya Jinja Shrine (another UNESCO world heritage site) before heading to Todaiji Temple.
Todaiji Temple
We enter the temple complex through the 800 year old South Gate (NandaiiGate)which is Japan’s largest gate.
Built in 738 AD, Todaiji Temple is one of eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nara.
The gold things on the top of the temple are not horns, they are fish tails representing water…to protect the wooden building from burning. Click here for a short video.
The Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden structure in the world…and it houses the largest bronze Buddha in the world; the Buddha of Light and Compassion.
There is a hole in one of the pillars. It’s a rectangular shaped hole. It is equivalent to the size of the Buddha statue’s nostril It is said that if you can get your whole body through the hole, you will have a long life of happiness. I am tempted to try but then remember getting my hips caught in the kid’s slide the other day.
Hokkedo Hall
After the Great Hall, we walk outside and up more stairs to Hokkedo Hall (Sangatudo) for its great view of the city.
Kofukuji
Our final temple in Nara is Kofukuji. It was ok, but didn’t compare to our other temples.
We walk to the train station and head to Osaka.
The K6 Hotel
I doze off on the train and next thing I know we’re in Osaka.
Our hotel, The K6 Hotel is a 4 minute walk from the subway…and I LOVE it. There is free popcorn, a free area where each guest can take 5 premium toiletries a day (like sponges, scented bath salts, hair clips, face 
masks and so much more), there are all kinds of free non-alcoholic drinks, free sake, a free hard alcohol bar and discounted foods at different times during the day. The lobby is also very cool with beautiful kimonos.
Then we go to our room and wow. It’s spacious for Japan with a romantic curtained bed with lovely linens, a couch, huge screen tv, fridge and microwave. Our bath area is a jacuzzi tub with a large screen tv. There is a light up magnifying mirror and tons of toiletries in the sink area and the most welcoming toilet ever. I don’t joke, click here for the video.
Dotonbori at Night
I don’t want to leave the hotel but we are in the heart of the liveliest area in Osaka; Dotonbori.
The buildings are not skyscrapers like Tokyo but the lights, digital billboards, moveable figures are crazy. At night it’s like daylight from the neon signs and huge LED display boards Click here for a video.
There is even a 3D lion LED screen. Click here for another short video.
Street after street in this area are packed with people…great for people watching!
We go to a tempura restaurant before checking out Hozenji Yokocho Alley. A narrow alley filled with traditional restaurants and bars. There is a peaceful shrine at the end…hidden from all the chaos.
We take a boat ride down the Tombori River to see all the action from the water.
We head back to the hotel and I have a bubble bath.