Visits to Japan

Page 3 of 5

Nara

Nara was the first capital of Japan, and it was established in 710 A.D. Therefore, it is full of history. Unlike Kyoto, Nara is a small city but is full of interesting places to visit. Nara can be reached from Kyoto or Osaka by a local train in less than one hour.

Kofuku-ji

Kasuga Shrine

Path to Shrine

Kasuga Shrine

Old Cypress Tree

Fortunes Told

Shinto Wedding

Wedding

Another Couple

Kasuga Shrine

Todai-ji

Daibutsu-den

Todai-ji

Horyu-ji

Unumé Festival in Nara

As luck would have it, on one of my visits to Nara a special festival was in progress around Saruswa-no-Iké (Sarusawa Pond) near Kojuku-ji. The festival is held annually on the night of the autumn full moon in memory of Lady Unumé who used to serve an emperor but committed suicide by throwing herself into the pond when she lost the emperor's affection.

from Ryokan

Lanterns

Main Stage

Decorated Boat

Boat

Second Boat

Junk Food Booths

Shops

Pagoda

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