A Nice Day in Nara

Yesterday, I spent a nice day in Nara doing research for the next Lonely Planet guide to Japan. In addition to finding some great new places for the book, I was able to enjoy the warm fall weather, the fall foliage and I even caught the tail end of the Nara Marathon. Every time I visit Nara, I'm impressed with the city and its people. They really welcome tourists and they are up to some creative stuff. Naramachi, in particular, is a good example for other cities in Japan about how to make creative use of their traditional neighborhods. The energy there is very positive.

Here are two of Nara's famous deer who have just finished making a pilgrimage to Todaiji Temple's Nigatsudo Hall:


Here's the classic view of the pagoda of Kofukuji Temple rising over Sarusawa-no-ike Pond:


I also found a great new lunch spot for people with kids. It's called "Silk Road" (although the Japanese name is more evocative of Nara: "The Last Stop on the Silk Road"). There are two great model train systems lined with counters where you can sit and work the controls of the trains as you eat. This is a great addition to an already super kid-friendly city. You can find Silk Road in the Yume Kaze Hiroba, which off the main road shortly before Todai-ji.