Nara (Japan)

So far, after my visit to Nara, it became my favorite place in Japan with respect to sightseeing and temples.

One morning, we took the train from Osaka to Nara and on the way, we stopped to visit the Horyuji temple. There is nothing much written about it and it is not greatly advertised, but in fact it is a marvelous place and it is worthy to visit. Not all sections are included in the ticket though and you are asked to pay additional fees but it is your choice after all. The temple, shrine, garden, the hall and all complex is very attractive and you feel serenity in there.

Afterwards, we took the train again and arrived in Nara. The place has particular atmosphere; deers are walking around (and sometime chase you for food), and the Todaiji temple is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in Japan. Furthermore, it houses the biggest bronze Buddha statue ever created - and it is quite a sight. Unbelievably, we were not asked to take our shoes off and photographs were allowed! The garden around is nothing particular and the Nara museum is interesting small place.

Afterwards, we had coffee in a cute small place, with a lot of style and atmosphere, the coffee was great, the cakes too and the interior – perfect! Nara is really the best!

The restaurants are also amazing, you can find good shops and all that – less than 1 hour from Osaka!