Alex Quinn's Japan Journal

4/30/2005, Mom trip day 4: Nara

My mom, Akemi, and I all went to Nara, a city of about 350,000 people about an hour from Nara.  Nara is famous for a big park which is home to (mostly) wild deer, pagodas, and a temple which contains a very large statue of Buddha which is recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization as a world heritage site.  Besides all that, I think it's a pretty nice place to visit.  It's a nice park and a nice city.

Wild deer in Nara Park. (hq)

Actually, I'd say they're semi-wild, since they get very accustomed to being around people. (hq)

Nara does have a thriving tourist industry as evidenced by these souvenir shops. (hq)

My mom caught Akemi and me in a jousting match. (hq)

Approaching Todaiji Temple. (hq)

Inside the temple. (hq)

The big Buddha (Daibutsu).

Akemi hugging part of the temple.  It was a warm (not hot) day and I think she was doing this because the pillar was cool. (hq)

The three of us outside the temple.

My mom, in particular, enjoyed hanging out with the deer.  They are generally very docile.

Alghough cherry blossom season was officially over, we did encounter some cherry trees which were still blooming.  Here's Mom looking cute under the cherry tree.

Mom and Akemi both looking cute under the cherry tree.

Cherry blossoms looking cute without the help of pretty ladies.

Akemi and me at the station

Note: Photos marked with "(HQ)" were taken by my mom.

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