Nara

I go back to explore Kasuga Taisha, shrine of a thousand lanterns, hidden away in the primeval forest of Kasugayama. Shinto shrines are generally destroyed and rebuilt every 20 years for purification purposes and this is the 57th re-incarnation of the 1700 year old Shrine.

I took the Nara Kotsu bus to explore the 7th century temple of Yakushi-ji in the suburbs of Nara. Known as the Temple of Medicine, Yakushi-ji is among Unesco’s list of “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” World Heritage Site.

I go on a hike to Mt. Wakakusayama. I lay on the soft green grass at the summit and promise myself to come up again at dusk, one day to catch Nara with its lights.

Mani’s got classes today, so I ran off by myself to take a closer look at the beautiful temples of Kofuku-ji, some of which are said to be from as early as 700 CE.

We take a walk down Nara’s incredible Deer Park. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deers. Walk among the sweet younglings in the green meadows. And don’t forget to pack some Shika Senbei, They love em!