A lovely side trip from Osaka Japan is to the city of Nara famous for its roaming Sika Deer in select parts of the city. About an hour on the train from Osaka – the Kintetsu Nara Station is only about a 10 minute walk to the closest edge of Nara Park, home of the aforementioned deer. This park was originally established in 1880 it is among Japan’s earliest public parks. As one approaches the park, it is common to see tourists milling around next to many deer. Very popular with families.
The park is over 1,000 acres – the deer are allowed to wander about and are often outside of the borders of the park. These are polite deer – if you have food (deer crackers can be purchased in numerous locations within the park) and bow to them, they will bow back three times.
The park is also well-known for housing one of the world’s largest wooden buildings containing a 50-foot tall statue of Buddha in what is called the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall). Todaiji Temple was originally built in 752 but was reconstructed (the current building) in 1692. This temple is about a 30 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. A number of other picturesque places are highly worth visiting including gardens, a number of halls and shrines. Allow at least half a day for a visit to the park.
More information is provided by Visit Nara: www.japan-guide.com/e/e4103.html
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