The Lamb family took a much needed trip to Osaka, Japan for a week. The first day, we took a train to Nara, and visited Todaiji Buddhist Temple. The Temple is originally made of wood, but over the years has been re-enforced with modern building materials.
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| Todaiji Temple |
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| steep stairs |
The Temple is located in Nara Park. Deers roam freely here and are protected by the government as a national treasure. There is an ancient legend that Buddha entered the Temple riding a white deer. At one time, the penalty for killing a deer was death. The deer are very gentle and allow you to pet them. It's like petting a big dog. But they can be aggressive when you feed them snacks, and will try to eat the crackers out of your pockets. I was nibbled in the rear. Very shocking.
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| Love the sign - look-out Grandma, deer comin' through! |
We also visited Kasuga Shinto Shrine. Really beautiful and old. We walked up a long walkway, and it was lined with stone statues. People sponsor a statue, and can place a paper wish inside. Then the candle is lit, and the wish will be honored. There is a young women who is called the "shrine maiden". In ancient times she was a virgin, who devoted herself to the shrine and to recording all the events. Like a secretary/nun. Now it's a paid position, but she still wears traditional clothing and headdress while she works.
Our hotel in Osaka was in the Namba area. Near lots of night-life, shopping and dining. The main attraction is the Dotombori - a pedestrian area full of neon - like Times Square. We went to one of the many Pachinko parlors. Really popular, but I didn't really see the point in just watching all the metal balls dropping. But the kids loved the games where you control a claw that drops down to grab a toy. Being Japan, the prizes in these games were not just stuffed toys. They were also snacks, key chains that looked like food, and appliances. Weird but interesting.
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| in Dotonbori |
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| I don't know why.... |
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| game prize: kushiyaki key chains |
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| game prize: fake fish and mushrooms |
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| game prize: carpet/floor sweeper |
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| game prize: sushi keychains |
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| game prize: bucket of shrimp and veg crackers |
Our last day in Osaka, we went to Ragdoll Cat Cafe near our hotel. I guess these places are very popular in Japan, especially among young girls. For about $10 per person, we each had a choice of beverage and a small container of cat treats. There were about 20 cats of all breeds and sizes. There was also a bin of cat toys to play with too. It was oddly fun and relaxing.
