11: Finding Japan...in Nara

For our next excursion from the port in Kobe, we decided to go it on our own and head for Nara, the city that had been Japan’s capital prior to Kyoto.

It turned out to be the best decision, as after the crowds and rushing around in Kyoto, the ease of Nara and what we saw there was exactly what we needed.

We wanted to take our time, so didn’t have any set agenda for what we planned to see. In fact, even though Gary had visited Nara thirty or so years ago, we didn’t even have a clear idea of where things were, or what they were called. Luckily, there were great maps posted near the train station and the sites that looked interesting – a temple and a garden – were within walking distance.

In the interest of time, I will cut short my narrative here and let the photographs speak to the enjoyment and peace we encountered in Nara.

There is beauty in even the most basic material constructions along our path...

A group of school children on a field trip were eager to meet this Semester at Sea student. They wanted to practice their english and learn more about what she was doing in Japan...and of course, also get their photograph taken with her...

Nara is know for the deer that wander freely around the city.
They are a bit disconcerting, as they quite aggressively go after any food you might be carrying.
Our Japanese guide said they "bow" asking for food, but the bowing looks more like a prelude to some head butting!

The entrance to the Isuien Gardens. There was an admittance fee for entry, but just within a few steps, we concluded that the experience was totally worth the cost. We got there maybe forty five minutes before closing time, and were fortunate to have the place virtually to ourselves.

All I need to say, is that at the end of the day, as we headed back to Sannomiya, Kobe and our cabin, I felt totally satisfied. I felt I had finally found Japan.