Fox (kitsune) statues were a major feature of this shrine - there were a multitude of them.
We got up early to get to Nara, with a stop planned in Inari on the way. The first stop was only the second stop on the Nara line. The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is known for the trails that go through series of arches or torii. “Series of arches” is a bit of an understatement, as the photos below will attest. We wished we had time to walk all the way to the top of the trail, but Nara awaited. So stopping to pick up some souvenirs – three fans for the three daughters while Mason got a yukata for himself and his girlfriend Claire.
Fox (kitsune) statues were a major feature of this shrine - there were a multitude of them.
A series of lanterns hung off the side of one of the buildings on the grounds.
A priest on his way to/from his duties.
The beginning of the arched pathways.
The path leads off into the woods, although you'd be hard pressed to tell from the path.
The arches are of various ages and materials of construction.
Looking back down the path, there is lettering etched in the columns.
I had to wait until the school kids cleared out to get this shot. It took a while.
A lantern to light the way.
A less dense section.
Jonathan pauses for a snap at a break in the torii.
Cindy and Mason coming out of the path.
Mason models his new yukata.
These looked like scarves that were lined up as if in offering.
Mason and Cindy taking a look.
We took the local train from Inari to Nara, stopping at all the stations, which took another 50 minutes. We stopped by the Kōfuku-ji Temple where we made our first encounter with the famous deer of Nara.
From there we walked up the road towards the Nara National Museum where we found a café to have lunch. Green curry was the recommended dish and it did not disappoint.
After lunch, we walked through the museum, and from there we went to the Tōdai-ji Temple to see the Daibutsuden. The Daibutsuden is a large wooden building housing an equally large Buddha. Surprisingly, photography was allowed although the light made photography difficult. Again we were accosted by junior high students practicing their English. Answering the question “what is your favorite Japanese food?” with “sushi” elicited applause and great happiness. I guess I got that one right.
Octagonal building at the Kōfuku-ji temple.
Multi-storey pagoda.
The deer of Nara.
There were quite a few around, and I did my best not to take repeated photos of them.
One last deer photo - showing the characteristic spotted coat and antlers.
More school kids - right young this group.
Dessert - pity I don't remember what the flavor was.
Mason finishes off his drink.
Cindy and Mason taking a look at the gate at Tōdai-ji temple.
This muscular fellow is what they were looking at - I'm guessing its one of the gods (rain? thunder?).
The other muscular fellow.
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Cindy and Mason.
Looking toward the temple proper.
Is it worth going in? Mason checks out the scene inside.
The Daibutsuden - claimed to be the largest wooden structure in the world.
Looking back towards the entry (no that's not the gate with the statues).
Instead of where's Waldo - where's Lubin?
Daibutsu - the Great Buddha.
Another statue adjacent to the main one.
Side view of the big guy.
Pillar supports continue the lotus theme.
This whimsical butterfly was on the side of a huge 'vase' containing a metal lotus.
From there we sought out the Isuien Garden, but finding it closed, we went next door to the Yoshikien Garden and spent some time there wandering the grounds. We walked through the city park, visiting the Ukimido Gazebo before heading back towards the station where we found another restaurant to have dinner, and perhaps more importantly, beer.
The pond in the Yoshikien garden.
Jonathan takes a snap while Cindy and Mason rest.
A lizard on a footbridge.
Now on a rock with spent azalea blooms.
The white mass is green forest tree frog eggs. The garden posted signs on how to find them.
Cindy walks through the moss garden.
Now in the city park, the Ukimido Gazebo reflects off the surface of the pond.
A loon takes flight.
The gazebo from the other side.
Walking back into town, the Kōfuku-ji pagoda is visible.
Turtles in the pond.
Cindy walking through an all-weather shopping arcade.
Beers lined up, dinner to follow.
Evidence.
We took the local back to Kyōto, snoozing a bit as the train rocked on the tracks. In Kyōto, Cindy, Mike, and Mason looked into a pachinko parlor while Jonathan and I hit the sack for an early departure the next day.