A day of ancient temples, sacred deer, a knowledgeable guide, and a less‑than‑ideal arrival in Osaka.
Today we left Kyoto and travelled towards Osaka, stopping in Nara along the way to visit some of Japan’s most historic Buddhist temples. I joined a new coach this morning, and once again, there was a change of tour guides. Fortunately, today’s guide was excellent. A true history buff, he explained everything clearly and brought the region's stories to life as we drove.
Nara.
Our first major stop was Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, a city filled with temples, shrines, and cultural treasures. We were dropped off at a bus terminal near the temple complex and walked through a large park where hundreds of deer roamed freely. They were incredibly tame, and small stalls sold special biscuits so visitors could feed them. Our guide assured us we’d have time to interact with the deer after visiting the temple.
Tōdai‑ji Temple.
Tōdai‑ji is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, founded in the early 8th century and home to the Great Buddha Hall, the world’s largest wooden building, even at two‑thirds of its original size. Inside sits the enormous bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha, flanked by two impressive Bodhisattvas, Kokūzō Bosatsu and Nyoirin Kannon.
The temple grounds were beautiful and immaculately kept. As with many places on this tour, I found myself wishing we had more time to explore. After leaving the hall, I walked back through the park, weaving between the Sika deer that wandered everywhere. Considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition, they bowed their heads politely to visitors, especially those offering shika‑senbei crackers.
I sat on a bench watching people feed the deer until the group reassembled, and then we returned to the coach.
Hōryū‑ji Temple.
Our next stop was Hōryū‑ji, one of the oldest temples in Japan and home to some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden buildings. Founded in 607 by Prince Shōtoku, the complex is divided into two main areas: the Western Precinct, with its five‑story pagoda and Main Hall, and the Eastern Precinct, home to the Yumedono, or Hall of Dreams.
The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extraordinary testament to early Japanese architecture and Buddhist culture. I enjoyed walking through the grounds and admiring the ancient structures, many of which have stood for more than 1,300 years.
Lunch Stop.
After leaving Hōryū‑ji, we drove a short distance to a local Japanese restaurant. It was one of only two places in Japan where we were required to remove our shoes before entering. Once inside, we were shown into small rooms seating six people each. Lunch was a fixed menu, but everything served was delicious.
Arrival in Osaka.
After lunch, we continued to Osaka for our overnight stay. Because of parking restrictions at the hotel, the coach had to drop us a couple of blocks away in an alley, and we walked the rest of the way, pulling our cases behind us. The room was clean and comfortable, but noticeably smaller than the others on this tour.
This was my fifth escorted coach tour, and the only one where I’ve had to carry my luggage to and from the coach every day. On previous tours in America, Peru, and China, the luggage was always delivered to the rooms and collected again upon departure. It’s a small detail, but small details matter, and it would have been appreciated here.
My hotel tonight was the Holiday Inn Express, Osaka, Midosuji.
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