- DO: Hike up Wakakusayama Hill,
Climbing up Wakakusayama Hill was an unforgettable experience, though it was quite the challenge! The steep ascent left my legs shaking for the rest of the day. The weather was really sunny, and I regretted not bringing an umbrella or cap, as I ended up sweating buckets.
One of the highlights of the climb was seeing the deers that roam the area, adding a unique touch to the hike. However, I later discovered that there's a bus that goes to the top of the hill, making the journey effortless. If you're planning a visit, I highly recommend taking the bus to save your energy and enjoy the view without the strenuous climb.
Overall, Wakakusayama Hill offers beautiful scenery and a chance to see deers up close, but be prepared for a tough climb if you decide to go on foot. Don't forget to bring sun protection!
- DO: Shrine visit at Todaiji
Todaiji Temple is truly magnificent, and I was in awe of its grandeur. The age of the temple is evident, and the massive pillars make you feel like you've been transported back in time.
Todaiji, also known as the "Great Eastern Temple," is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. Founded in 738 CE and officially opened in 752 CE, it was originally constructed as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple complex is home to the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which houses the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu. This statue alone is an awe-inspiring sight, standing at 15 meters tall and weighing around 500 tons.
Todaiji is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara". The temple's historical and cultural significance, along with its architectural marvels, make it a must-visit destination.
When visiting Todaiji, be sure to:
- Admire the Great Buddha Statue: The sheer size and craftsmanship of the statue are breathtaking.
- Explore the Daibutsuden Hall: This hall is one of the world's largest wooden structures and houses several smaller Buddhist statues and models of the former and current buildings.
- Walk through the Nandaimon Gate: This large wooden gate is guarded by two fierce-looking statues of the Nio Guardian Kings, which are designated national treasures.
- Visit the Nigatsudo Hall: Located on a hill east of the Daibutsuden Hall, it offers fantastic views of the city and is the site of the spectacular Omizutori ceremonies held every March. Spending the end of the day watching the sunset here is a serene and beautiful experience.
Overall, Todaiji Temple offers a rich historical experience with its magnificent architecture, cultural treasures, and serene surroundings. It's a place that leaves a lasting impression and is highly recommended for anyone visiting Nara.
- EAT: Dinner at Washoku Japanese Tonkatsu
Ddining at Washoku Japanese Tonkatsu,was a delightful experience. The restaurant offers a variety of options, and my husband and I decided to try different dishes. I opted for the chicken karaage, while my husband chose the Japanese pork tonkatsu.
The chicken karaage was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his pork tonkatsu, which was juicy and flavorful, with a crispy coating that added a wonderful texture. Both dishes were served quickly, making it a great option for a fast and satisfying meal.
What stood out to us was the affordability of the meal. Despite the high quality of the food, the prices were very reasonable, making it an excellent choice for a budget-friendly dinner.
The service was also commendable, with friendly staff who ensured we had everything we needed. Overall, Washoku Japanese Tonkatsu offers a fantastic dining experience with delicious food, quick service, and great value for money. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a satisfying and affordable Japanese meal.
During my visit to Kotoya, I tried their chagayu, which is a unique green tea porridge.
This dish is quite special to Nara, known for its historical and cultural significance. Chagayu, or tea rice porridge, dates back over 1,200 years and was originally prepared by monks at Todaiji Temple.
The porridge is made by simmering rice in green tea, which gives it a subtle, earthy flavour and a soft creamy texture.
While the concept of green tea porridge is intriguing, I personally found it less enjoyable as it felt like drinking tea and porridge combined. I generally prefer my porridge to be savory.
Unfortunately, my appetite was quite poor after a strenuous hike up Wakakusayama Hill, and I was dealing with a severe headache, so I didn't eat much.
- EAT: Dinner at Maguro Koya
My visit to Maguro Koya was a mixed experience. Unfortunately for us, the fatty tuna was sold out, so we opted for the medium fatty tuna instead. While the double medium fatty tuna bowl was good, it wasn't exceptional. The price for this dish was 2,200 yen.
We also tried the sea urchin, green onion, and tuna mix bowl, priced at 6,100 yen. While the serving size was generous, the sea urchin had a fishy taste that I didn't particularly enjoy.One positive aspect of our visit was the staff. They are noted for their friendliness and excellent English-speaking skills, which enhances the dining experience and makes it more enjoyable for non-Japanese speakers.
Maguro Koya offers a variety of seafood options, but my experience was somewhat disappointing due to the limited availability of fatty tuna and the taste of the sea urchin. If you're a fan of medium fatty tuna, you might find the dishes satisfactory, but I would recommend checking the availability of your preferred items before visiting.- EAT: takeaway at Kakinohasushi Hompo Tanaka
The thought of sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf didn't initially appeal to me, but curiosity got the better of me, so we decided to try it. We bought a three-piece set of seasonal fish sushi, and when we had it for breakfast, I was quite amazed by it
The sushi was light and delicious, with the fish slice being really sweet. It's important to note that the persimmon leaf is not meant to be eaten; it's only used for wrapping the sushi. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste, especially since I didn't expect it to be so tasty given that it was made to be taken away in advance.
Overall, persimmon leaf sushi turned out to be a delightful and unique experience, and I would recommend giving it a try if you're looking for something different and delicious.
- EAT: Snack at Nakatanidow (mochi)
Nakatanidow is well-loved for its traditional mochi, and one of the unique attractions is the mochi pounding show. Visitors enjoy watching the craftsmen make mochi using traditional techniques, which adds to the charm of the experience. Unfortunately, I missed the show during my visit, but it's definitely something to look forward.
I tried the mochi from Nakatanidow, and it was a delightful experience.
They use mugwort to make the mochi, which gives the dough a very light taste of mugwort. Despite the subtle flavor, I found the texture to be fluffy and chewy, and the harmony with the light bean paste was delicious.
Overall, Nakatanidow is definitely worth a try if you're looking for a unique and tasty treat.
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