Day 5: Japan (Nara)
Today, it will be fewer activities for us. It takes into consideration that we still have to pack for our return flight to the Philippines and it is predicted to rain by 6 PM. We left the hotel later than the usual. It is time to see the deer!!!
As soon as we arrived at Nara and left the train station, a few distance away is the Nara Park. I did not expect that there are so many deer! They move freely and has priority of the street (cars has to stop and wait for them to cross).
We bought food so we can feed them. These deer know how to bow. So, we (both the deer and I) bow first before I give them a treat. LOL. They slowly go near you, smelling your pockets, bags, etc. searching for food.
It is a calming experience for the deer have a calming aura--their gaze, their graceful movement.
We walked our way to the Todai-ji Temple. Todai-ji Temple is a monumental symbol of early Japanese Buddhism, reflecting the intertwining of religion and politics, and showcasing remarkable architectural achievements.
For lunch, we walked our way to the Sakura Burger. Ordered their SAKURA Blossom Oni-Tama and mango tropical juice. 👍
Crossed the street to the Higashimuki Shopping Street where the store Tabi-Ji can be found. My niece plans to buy Tabi shoes.
We then went back to Osaka, passing by Don Quixote for additional souvenir purchases. On the way back to the hotel, rain is starting. Stopped at Precious Coffee Moments to try their coffee ice cream, ordered food-to-go at McDonald's. This way, we don't have to go out again for dinner and pack at our leisure.
Labels: Chromebook, food, photography, shopping, transaction
Day 4: Japan (Kyoto)
A Sunday, we would be attending Mass at the Catholic Osaka Umeda Church. We left around 8 AM as we would be attending the English Mass at 9 AM.
We were on time as we were there before the Mass starts (which should be the case). At the end of the Mass, the congregation was asked who was their first time attending that Church. We were asked to stand up, introduce ourselves and where from. 🙏 Attending a Sunday Mass at Japan is my request to my nieces to include in our itinerary.
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| Catholic Osaka Umeda Church |
After the Mass, we went to
Blue Bottle Coffee for waffles (for me) and coffee (for my nieces).
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| At Blue Bottle Coffee |
Again, we would be going to Kyoto (via train and lots of walking). This time, we would be visiting the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Tenryu-ji Temple.
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| Togetsu-kyo Bridge |
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| View from Togetsu-kyo Bridge |
The Togetsukyo Bridge ("Moon Crossing Bridge") is the iconic 155-meter, 400-year-old landmark of Kyoto's Arashiyama district. Spanning the Katsura River, it serves as a premier, year-round scenic spot for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. It is historically significant for its Heian-period origins (836), traditional design, and role as a, cultural symbol of Kyoto.
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| Togetsuzen of Arashiyama Yoshiumra |
We took photos as we walked through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
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| Arashiyama Bamboo Grove |
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| A rickshaw |
We entered the Tenryu-ji Temple, exploring its Sogenchi Garden. Tenryu-ji, a top-ranked UNESCO World Heritage site in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is best known for its 14th-century Sogenchi Garden, the powerful "Cloud Dragon" painting in the Hatto Hall, and traditional Zen architecture. Visitors can also experience authentic shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine), tranquil temple halls, and direct access to the famous Bamboo Grove.
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| Cherry Blossoms at Sogenchi Garden |
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| Camella |
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| Tenryu-ji Temple |
On the way to the train station, we stopped at
Kumonocha Cafe to rest a bit and tried the food they offer.
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| At Kumunocha Cafe |
At Osaka, we went back first to our hotel to rest before having our dinner.
You can dip the meat in the Wasabi or in the soy sauce (or both) before further grilling the meat to your liking. The side dishes can be added to the rice while you eat. It also has a warabi mochi for dessert.
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| At Gyukatsu Motomura |
Passed by Don Quijote for more souvenirs before going back to our hotel.
Labels: Chromebook, food, Mass, photography, travel
