Day 5 in Nara: Deer Park - Todaiji Temple in Nara - Yoshikien Garden - KOFUKUJI TEMPLE - Naramachi street
Leaving the crowds of the Todai-ji temple behind, we started walking on the streets of Nara Park again. Absolutely devoid of any kind of traffic – vehicle or otherwise - the place was tranquil and slow and seemed to find it's roots in all things traditional.
Leaving the crowds of the Todai-ji temple behind, we started walking on the streets of Nara Park again. Absolutely devoid of any kind of traffic – vehicle or otherwise - the place was tranquil and slow and seemed to find it's roots in all things traditional.
The Nara Park walkway
Making our way leisurely through the fascinating landscaping, we made sure to break away every now and then and savor the sights, sounds and smells of an environ which simply seemed way too happy to be moving at it’s our own rate.
Walk under the big umbrella of sky soaring trees
Relish the slender hints of sunshine passing through
Gaze at those innocent creatures who never fail to amaze
Tread the path carpeted by the dry fallen leaves
Isn't it amazing, how time suddenly comes to a standstill...
when we walk across places like these, that seem to have been crafted
so carefully in pieces of silence?
Taking it all in, bit by bit, we finally reached our next place in the itinerary which was the Kofukuji temple.
The Kofukuji Temple
Resplendent with old buildings and structures originally dating back to the 7th century but reconstructed between the 12th – 18th centuries, the Kofukuji temple is one of the ancient temples of Nara featuring in the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overview of the Kofuku-ji temple grounds
Our stay at the Kofukuji temple grounds was brief with our main sight of attraction being the intricately carved five storey pagoda - which was quite a remarkable structure.
Kofukuji's five tier pagoda – A symbol of Nara and
also
Japan’s second tallest building after Tojiji temple in Kyoto.
It was
first built in 730 and restructured in 1426.
Besides the pagoda, the temple grounds also houses two octagonal buildings - the Hokuendo (Northern Octagonal Hall) and the Nanendo (Southern Octagonal Hall), a national treasure museum containing ancient relics of Buddhist art, an Eastern Golden Hall housing a large wooden statue and
the temple’s main building, the Central Golden Hall which is currently
under renovation.
The Nanendo hall dating back over a thousand years, rebuilt in 1210.
Tokondo hall or the Eastern golden hall
We passed by all of these structures but gave a miss on entering the insides due to lack of time.
Tips for Travelers
Entrance fee and timings: 24 hrs. open free admission on Kofukuji's temple grounds.
However, please note that a payment is required for entering the temple's National Treasure Museum and the Eastern Golden Hall.
Tips for Travelers
Entrance fee and timings: 24 hrs. open free admission on Kofukuji's temple grounds.
However, please note that a payment is required for entering the temple's National Treasure Museum and the Eastern Golden Hall.
Previous Posts from the Japan Trip -
1. Planning for Japan: Visa, Flight Bookings, Hotel Reservations, etc.
2. Sunrise pictures from the flight to Japan
1. Planning for Japan: Visa, Flight Bookings, Hotel Reservations, etc.
2. Sunrise pictures from the flight to Japan
3. Entire Day 1 of Japan (includes Review of Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi, Tokyo, Expedia Japan Office Meet: An Afternoon to Remember)
4. Entire Day 2 of Japan (includes SensoJi temple: Asakusa - Tokyo, Nakamise Dori Shopping Arcade in Tokyo, Sumida River Cruise, Tokyo, A Stroll in the Hibiya Gardens, Imperial Palace and East Gardens, The Tokyo Tower, Japan)
5. Entire Day 3 of Japan (includes Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo, ISKCON Temple, Funabori in Tokyo, Epson Aquarium, Shinagawa in Tokyo
6. Entire Day 4 of Japan - Nara (includes Riding the Shinkansen: My ticket to Kyoto, Hello Nara (Planning and Welcome), Driving through Nara: An Introduction, Horyu-ji Temple, Tea Ceremony in Jiko-in Zen Temple)
7. Messengers of God: Deer in Nara Park
7. Messengers of God: Deer in Nara Park
9. A Walk in the Yoshikien Garden
PS: Thank you for all your kind prayers and wishes in my last post. I know that I had closed the comments section... but I believe that feelings that come from the heart don't need any words for expression. I am good, slowly getting back and will be at your space very very soon. Thanks again :-)
PS: Thank you for all your kind prayers and wishes in my last post. I know that I had closed the comments section... but I believe that feelings that come from the heart don't need any words for expression. I am good, slowly getting back and will be at your space very very soon. Thanks again :-)
60 Comments
I absolutely loved the serene garden the most....but the temple is beautiful too....
ReplyDeleteloving your japan series!!!
http://www.myunfinishedlife.com/
Such a great tour, as always, Arti! Your captures are superb as usual! They are the next best thing to being there myself!! Hope your week is going well!
ReplyDeleteThe top of this pagoda is really amazing! And the deer and beautiful nature, I hope it stays this way.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of you, Arti. I hope all is well. Your photos pay homage to quiet sanctuaries - both the woodland and the pagoda.
ReplyDeleteNice photo series of Nara.It's good for me to remember Nara tour. I went to Kyoto in this new year holiday tour.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful opportunity for a stroll paired with some peace and quiet. Beautiful pagoda too!
ReplyDeleteGood to see you return with such a green post, Arti!
ReplyDeleteArti, Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteGreat to read your new post .Nice to know about Kofukuji Temple. Thanks for sharing.Love the beautiful photographs.Thanks :)
The road are stunningly beautiful! Loved the Deer pic. It seems the Deer is confused to see only roots and no trees in front of him! :D
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend Arti
ReplyDeleteThank you for so beautiful photos and interesting informations!!!
There is so calm in Nara!
I wish you to be allways happy!
Many greetings and a warm hug
wow The Nanendo hall dating back over a thousand years, rebuilt in 1210....amazing .. lovely pics indeed but Nara deity ? how does he look like ?? love to read your posts with amazing pics !! all the best..
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Arti. I missed you and hope all is well now. Lovely pics as usual. Such beautiful grounds.
ReplyDeletePictures are terrific. Thank you for the tour!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Arti..Superb..post..!
ReplyDeleteI like the roots forming a pattern in deer picture..
Welcome back. Great post. The deer looks absolutely in peace!
ReplyDeleteIt's a sheer bliss always to be surrounded by green trees. Lovely pictures!
ReplyDeleteAnd glad to see you coming back to blogging!
Great shots! I really like the picture with all the tree roots.
ReplyDeleteThe scenes are lovely, but I did so enjoy seeing the school children.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Arti.
beautiful garden
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteHello, Arti.
Happy New year.
Your work is embraced in your gentleness.
And sweet message charms my heart.
The prayer for all peace.
I wish You all the best.
Greeting.
From Japan, ruma❃
Gorgeous photos for a tour of a place so far from me.
ReplyDeleteThe pagoda is beautiful!
Dear Arti,
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your new post. I hope 2013 will bring lots of happiness to you all.
Tomoko
"Isn't it amazing, how time suddenly comes to a standstill...
ReplyDeletewhen we walk across places like these, that seem to have been crafted
so carefully in pieces of silence? "- it is Arti, like you, i so love silence and the beauty and inspiration it brings, lovely captures.
The park must be huge with deers running free. Interesting to know the temple grounds are open 24 hrs. I wonder how many people go there at night.
ReplyDeleteDear Arti, happy belated new year, hope everything okay there , my wish and hope for your happyness :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome back ..
As always a great post, my favourite photograph has to be the one showing all those tree roots. It strikes me how clean and tidy all of these places are, it's almost as if no leaf dares to fall from the trees.
ReplyDeleteDear Arti, it's amazing. how many lovely places you got to visit in Japan - you really made the best out of your trip. Such peaceful and pretty pictures here. Hope your weekend is filled with nice moments, see you soon! xx
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Arti and I hope that beautiful memories are sustaining you as you deal with your loss.
ReplyDeleteThank you for continuing your Japan travelogue as I have really enjoyed the trip virtually. And this post did not disappoint. Glad to be back on the journey,
Hi Arti,
ReplyDeleteThe park and temples look so tranquil and must have been amazing, walking around here. Thanks for sharing.
Happy to see you back and have been thinking of you.
Enjoy the weekend
Carolyn
I can feel life slowing down in these serenely beautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteit is wonderfull to see another beautifull temple and a serene landscape...it is also great to see you back to blogging : )
ReplyDeleteLovely apt pictures as usual. I will be back to check on all your Japan posts soon. I need to plan a trip there. :)
ReplyDeleteNice work - pictures ...
ReplyDeleteGreeting Eko
Finland / Lapland / Kuusamo
http://eskoalamaunu.blogspot.fi/
Beautiful shots, your series on Japan will serve as a good planning guide to all the readers. Welcome back from your trip, hope you enjoyed it. BTW, the lines of the goodbye post were amazing.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
Indeed there is something very charming and calming about Japanese gardens and temples. Thanks for taking us into another one of these cherished Nara temples an grounds. Another reason I need to go back to Japan and make sure I visit Nara.
ReplyDeleteHi Arti... The gardens looks so calm and soothing, as if inviting for meditation. The temple is very well maintained.
ReplyDeleteThanks and all the best for 2013. God bless you.
Your photos are amazing! It's almost like I get to travel with you by looking at them. Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteI feel calm -- it just washed over me as I read -- I love it!
ReplyDeleteclean and neat park way...
ReplyDeletebeautiful temple and photos...
thanks
Would love to visit! Beautifully captured!
ReplyDeleteHi Arti,
ReplyDeleteEven the pictures of Nara Park convey so much serenity & peace...it must have been divine out there.
Tomorrow is your B-Day-i wish you the very best of everything in life,enjoyyyy!
Arti this really amazing. The blog has tempting pics and a whole sum information for anyone to pack luggage. Great work keep traveling n writing. http://neoimaginations.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSuperb photography....Simply superb
ReplyDeleteThe park is very well kept.
ReplyDeleteThe roots in the garden reminded me of the pathway to Guna caves in Kodaikanal. Nice post Arti.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
I love your Japan series Arti...
ReplyDeleteThe park is so calm with its nice green foliage. And the temple is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for your journeys ahead :)
Hi Arti... how are you?... glad that you dropped in :)
ReplyDeleteI got a glimpse of these Japanese architectural pattern in Lumbini too... I just love them...
Cheers & take care!
What a gorgeous park, and the temple is fantastic..I would love to visit one day!
ReplyDeleteHi Arti: There is a Blog of 2012 Award for you. Please pick it up at Ramblings and Musings: www.sankriti.blogspot.in
ReplyDeleteI am gad you are getting back to blogging.
ReplyDeleteMay your heart be filled with peace and love again.
Take good care of yourself Arti,
Good to see you back, Arti...the garden is so so very beautiful and serene..nothing less than the temple premises. Great shots!Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeletethe temple is beautiful .. i saw a similar temple in Johannesburg and it was also a Buddhist temple... beautiful designs, so serene and calm !
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of temple. Nice architecture.
ReplyDeletenice captures
ReplyDeletetemple is beautiful :) I loved that cris-cross of roots. It was like WOOOWW :)
ReplyDeleteAren't those pagodas such attractive structures?!
ReplyDeleteKeep bringing it on, Arti! This virtual tour of Japan is entrancing.
ReplyDeleteGreat series !
ReplyDeletehttp://pareshkale.blogspot.in/
Its amazing how you have captured the essence of Kofuku-ji Temple... :)
ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)