Before heading towards Nara, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a shrine dedicated to the God of rice. The shrine in itself is nothing special, but it is surrounded by mountain trails covered with elegant rows of torii gates.
We walked up the mountain for half an hour...
until we reached the Yotsutsuji intersection, where we enjoyed the views over Kyoto before walking back.
We then took a train to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. First site: the Kofukuji Temple.
before making our way to Wa Yamamura restaurant for lunch.
Afterwards we spent some time in Nara Park with its numerous wild deer...
before visiting one of Japan's most significant temples, Todaiji ("Great Eastern Temple"). Approaching Todaiji through the Nandaimon Gate.
The main hall, Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), is the world's largest wooden building and houses a big bronze Buddha statue.
We noticed a gathering in a corner behind the Daibutsu, with people staring at a pillar.
There was a hole in the pillar. According to a myth, whoever can squeeze through it will be granted enlightenment.
Needless to say, several candidates were trying to squeeze through, with some friends' pulling required to get out...
Yes, she made it!
Have one more look at the hole. It was dug in such a way that only a Japanese (or East Asian) adult would manage to squeeze through. Even to reach Nirvana, some are more equal than others...
Finally, before exiting the main hall, we saw a charms stand.
I'm sure the businessmen-priests made a thorough analysis of the demand elasticity before pricing their charms, but wouldn't any rational charm-wearer rather pay more to avoid misfortune than for 'happy love' ? :-)
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