ast day trip with a base in Kyoto, heading towards Nara. The town, famous for its deer, welcomes us along with various school groups of children, who color the street near the station with their colorful hats.
Nara's deers
Nara is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it is also famous for its park, which is home to hundreds of sika deer, a species native to East Asia. These deer are one of the main attractions of the city, and their presence is tied to a long cultural and religious tradition. According to legend, the deer were considered divine messengers of the god Kasuga, the protector of the city, and were treated with great respect and reverence. Today, the deer are regarded as symbols of good fortune and are protected by Japanese law.
In Nara Park, the deer roam freely and are accustomed to human presence, so much so that many visitors feed them special biscuits called "shika-senbei." This coexistence between humans and deer is one of the most fascinating aspects of the city.
Isuien Garden
After passing through the deer park area, the path begins to lead toward the Great Buddha. The first stop, I would say a must-see, is the Isuien Gardens. The Isuien Gardens are one of the most fascinating natural treasures in Nara, offering visitors a unique experience of tranquility and natural beauty, immersed in the heart of Japanese history. The garden is famous for its incredible harmony between nature and architecture, and it represents one of the finest expressions of traditional Japanese gardens. The name "Isuien" derives from the Japanese term "isu," meaning "to sit near water," symbolizing the desire of its creators to create an environment of serene contemplation, where one could find inner peace by observing nature and water. Over the centuries, the gardens have been reshaped and maintained, but their style has remained faithful to the tradition of the Japanese garden, with clear inspiration from Zen philosophy and the quest for harmony between natural elements. The Isuien Gardens are divided into two main sections: a landscape garden (Chisen-kaiyushiki), which revolves around a central pond, and a dry garden (Karesansui), typical of Zen gardens. The combination of these two styles creates a perfect balance, where the movement of water contrasts with the serenity of stone and the geometry of the dry gardens.
The great Buddha
The Great Buddha of Nara, also known as Daibutsu, is one of the most imposing and significant statues in Japan, located inside the Todai-ji Temple, one of the country's most important Buddhist temples. The Daibutsu is truly impressive: standing about 15 meters tall (including its base), it is made of bronze and copper. Its upright posture and serene expression evoke a sense of tranquility and spiritual power. The statue is also famous for the small opening inside the base of the Buddha's figure, in the spinal column, which is large enough for a person to pass through. According to tradition, those who succeed in passing through this opening gain good fortune and spiritual salvation. It has become a ritual for visitors to the temple to try and pass through this narrow opening, an act that symbolically represents overcoming spiritual obstacles.
Kasuga Taisha temple
The final part of the tour in Nara takes you to the Kasuga Taisha complex. Kasuga Taisha is one of the most famous and important temples in Japan, located in the city of Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deity Kasuga no Okami, the guardian god of the Fujiwara family, is known for its traditional architecture and its deep connection to Japanese history and culture. Dating back to 768 AD, it is famous for its red-painted wooden structures, which create a serene and spiritual atmosphere. What makes this place unique is the presence of about 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, which are lit twice a year during the Kasuga Wakamiya On Matsuri and Mantoro festivals, filling the area with a magical light.
Kasuga Taisha is set within a dense cedar forest, giving it a mystical appearance, almost suspended between the earthly and divine realms. Visitors can stroll along shaded paths leading to the shrine, passing through an untouched landscape that symbolizes the fusion of nature and spirituality. The entire Kasuga Taisha complex is one of the most captivating expressions of Shinto worship, where the deity is seen as a protective force for both family and community.
With the visit to Nara, the day trips from Kyoto come to an end. Finally, the time has come to visit the ancient capital Kyoto: among its many temples and a rich part of history of Japan waiting to be shared.
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