Todaiji Temple

Lunch was in Nara. It was the local version of Okonomiyaki. Here they mix all the ingredients together first rather than add them in layers. It was delicious and many people said they will be trying to make it back in Oz.

Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 to 794.

The Todaiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the Seven Great Temples of Japan. Also, it is the home of the world's largest bronze statue, Daibutsu (giant Buddha).

The Buddha is depicted with his right arm outstretched and palm out - a gesture that says “don't be afraid”. His left hand is palm faces up to grant a wish…

It is certainly an awesome sight.

Outside the temple is parkland (Nara Park) in which there are wild Sika deer. Rice crackers are available to buy to feed to the deer. These are a healthy food for them. The deer will bow when you feed them.

The jury's out on why they bow. One opinion is that it's an aggressive gesture. The other is that it's a learnt behaviour because they know it often leads to food. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt because I think if it was aggression we would hear of people being hurt and see warnings around the park…Læs mere