I visited Nara today as a day trip from Kyoto. There is a direct train that takes about 45 minutes. It’s not as fast as the Shinkensen, but still quite nice for the 45 minute journey.
Nara was the capital of Japan before it was Kyoto, so a long long time ago. As such there are quite a few historical sites. Perhaps more unique though, it’s full of deer.
This one is posing in front of a warning sign, reminding you that deer are wild animals and you should be careful. All over the place they sell deer biscuits for 150 yen so you can feed the things!
It’s interesting to watch people feed them. They are very happy when they feed the deer, but less happy after they run out of biscuits and the deer is chasing them down the street! Children seem quite traumatized with a deer chasing them 🙂
Nara is home to Japan’s largest Buddha which is one of the largest in the world. The picture does not even do it justice, if you are in this area you must really see it for yourself.
The enterance fee is 500 yen and I am sure this one is worth it. I even bought a postcard! Outside is the Buddhist God of health. A rather scary looking statue with a red jacket and bonnet on.
The area is great for hiking, there are many temples along the way, with a lot of them being free or low cost. Nara JR station is 45 minutes from Kyoto station on the JR Nara line. There is also a private railway line that is a but faster, but not valid for rail pass holders.