Nara

Of all the places I've been to in Japan, Nara has always struck a chord deep within me. A feeling of serenity and calm washes across my soul as I remember the open parks, forests and temples.

Nara View

K. had mentioned that the Shoso-in Treasures were on display at the local museum and it provided the excuse I needed to once again head out to this rural city.

The train line took us out towards the mountains which lined the north and western views from my home. It was somehow comforting to see the range and always reminded me of the Great Divide back home, never threatening but adding flavour to the otherwise flat horizon. The hour ride took us away from the concrete and smog, through the mountain and into rice fields and open spaces.

We headed for the museum and wandering through the silent halls staring at objects from a by-gone era. After the emperors death in the 8th century, his widow donated over 800 objects to the local temple which he had loved. Decorative red glazed rulers hung suspended in soft-lit glass boxes. Arrow heads and quivers. Ornamental sliding doors and faded violet pouches. His horses bit and sweat pads complete with a pencil drawing of their glory days. Brass incense holders with intricate lion handles. In the lower sections, a corridor held step by step instruction of the construction of wooden Buddas. 4 wooden blocks locked together with hidden joints. Hands carved seperately and attached at the end. Insides hollowed out and a glass ball position in front of colour paper to stare out as eyes.

After the museum, we wandered towards the hills. As they loomed closer, we saw our first deer of the day, resting peacfully in the shadow of a tree.

Monk and Deer

Thousands of deer roam the hills and parkland and have adapted to the city life with ease. A constant stream of tourist provide a source of food; on every other corner, old people sell deer biscuits for a few hundred yen. The wise traveller will avoid the temptation. Instead, they will sit on any corner and watch the deer swarm around anyone who holds one like a flock of pigeons.

Wood and Words

School girls dressed in their sailor blues run screaming as the one deer they had been feeding is now a gang of hungry horned beasts; their brown fur thickening with long patches for the winter making them like an army of hunchback homeless.

We continued. The cobble pathways lined with old stone lanterns.

Lantern Line

Wandering past shrines and temples, the forest and lanterns continue to guide us.

Moss and Stone

Here in the hills, the sounds of city have disappeared. All the breeze tickleing the trees fills my head.

Latern around the Shrine

Even here, vending machines stand proud and tall and we rest to enjoy an Seventeen Icecream treat.

As the sun sets, the shadows deepen through the folliage and we weave back down the path.

Green, Red and Sunshine