Big Buddha and Nipping Nara Deer

Heading to Nara, we wondered if we'd see one of the "elusive" deer. We didn't realize they were like Elk in Estes Park but with vendors selling treats for you to feed them. There were hundreds of deer in the park, and for ¥200 you could buy special biscuits for them. I bought one, and was immediately mobbed by 6 or so deer; the sign said don't keep them waiting as they get angry, especially the males since it's mating season. I dispersed them quickly and threw up my hands while continually saying "sumimasen" in hopes they understood. It seemed they were mildly trained as they even gave a little polite bow when you approached.
After the deer we headed to Todaji Temple which holds one of the largest buddhas in the world. The temple itself is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. The pictures show the detail well, but the scale just doesn't translate. Amazingly massive, and wild that the structure is all wood. One of the main structural pillars had a small opening in the base that young school children waited in line to crawl through for a years worth of good luck. The main bronze buddha was impressive, but Chris and I both really liked the side wooden statues with intricate detailed carvings.Meer informatie