#naratrip

A Blossoming Haven of Serenity

#naratrip Nara Park: A Blossoming Haven of Serenity and Sakura Splendor Step into a realm of ethereal beauty and timeless tranquility as we journey through Nara Park, a magical oasis nestled in the heart of Japan's ancient capital. As a devotee of natural wonders and cultural treasures, allow me to be your guide through the enchanting world of sakura blossoms and serene landscapes. Nara Park, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and sacred deer, comes alive each spring as the cherry blossoms burst into bloom, painting the landscape in shades of pink and white. As you wander through the park's winding pathways, you'll be surrounded by a canopy of delicate blossoms, their sweet fragrance filling the air and casting a spell of serenity over all who visit. But Nara Park is more than just a feast for the senses – it's also steeped in history and tradition, with centuries-old temples and shrines dotting its picturesque landscape. Be sure to pay a visit to Todai-ji, home to the Great Buddha Hall and one of Japan's most iconic cultural landmarks, where the cherry blossoms create a stunning backdrop for contemplation and prayer. As you stroll through the park, you'll encounter friendly deer roaming freely amidst the cherry trees, their graceful presence adding to the park's sense of enchantment and wonder. Feed them a snack from one of the local vendors and marvel at their gentle demeanor, a testament to the harmonious relationship between nature and humanity that defines Nara Park. Of course, no visit to Nara Park would be complete without indulging in a hanami picnic beneath the cherry trees, where you can savor traditional Japanese snacks and bask in the beauty of the blossoms in full bloom. As the sun sets and the petals drift gently to the ground, you'll be filled with a sense of gratitude for the fleeting beauty of nature and the timeless magic of Nara Park. So whether you're seeking a moment of quiet reflection amidst the sakura blossoms or simply a peaceful retreat from the chaos of modern life, Nara Park offers an experience that is as enchanting as it is unforgettable. Until next time, may your days be filled with sakura dreams and moments of serene bliss amidst the blossoms of Nara Park. #NaraPark #SakuraBlossoms #CherryBlossoms #Hanami #SereneLandscapes #CulturalHeritage #Todaiji #GreatBuddha #Deer #Nature #Tranquility #Japan #TravelInspiration #Wanderlust #ExploreJapan #BucketListDestination #SakuraDreams #Enchantment

A Tranquil Haven in the Heart of Japan

#naratrip Ikoma, Nara: A Tranquil Haven in the Heart of Japan Welcome to Ikoma, a hidden gem nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Nara Prefecture, Japan. As a passionate admirer of tranquil escapes and cultural treasures, let me be your guide through the serene beauty and rich heritage of this charming town. Ikoma is a place where time seems to stand still, offering a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Surrounded by verdant mountains and pristine forests, it's a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. As you wander through the winding streets of Ikoma, you'll encounter a wealth of cultural landmarks and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. From ancient temples and shrines to traditional tea houses and quaint shops, every corner of this town is steeped in history and tradition. Be sure to pay a visit to Hozanji Temple, a sacred site perched atop Mount Ikoma that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Take a moment to pause and reflect in the tranquil gardens, where the gentle sound of trickling water and rustling leaves provides the perfect soundtrack for contemplation. But Ikoma is more than just its natural beauty and cultural heritage – it's also a place of warm hospitality and genuine kindness. Whether you're sampling local delicacies at a cozy izakaya or chatting with friendly locals in the town square, you'll feel welcomed with open arms wherever you go. Of course, no visit to Ikoma would be complete without indulging in its renowned hot springs, known as onsen, which offer a soothing retreat for body and soul. Relax in the healing waters and let your cares melt away as you bask in the tranquility of this idyllic town. So whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature, a journey through Japan's rich history and culture, or simply a moment of quiet reflection, Ikoma offers an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul. Until next time, happy exploring! #Ikoma #Nara #Japan #TranquilEscape #Nature #CulturalHeritage #HozanjiTemple #Onsen #HotSprings #Hospitality #HiddenGem #TravelInspiration #Wanderlust #ExploreJapan #BucketListDestination #SereneBeauty #IdyllicRetreat #CharmingTown

👨🏻‍🍳 Man with Haik-Haik at Work!

#naratrip Never ever I have imagine to visit this place! I always watched the man in action shouting Haik-haik-haik during the Mochi making demonstration. Very fascinating and to my surprise, the mochi is so tender and springy! Also..the mochi is warm! 😍 There are allocated time for the mochi making demonstration, if not mistaken its about 20mins every interval in the morning. Do come by earlier to stand in front to capture clearer video!

🦌 Oh My Nara Deer!

#naratrip A huge grass field and area with full of human and Nara deers! This is the place where you can get nose to nose distant with them deers. Moreover, no entrance fee needed 🌚 Believe there are a few mobile stalls surrounding the area selling biscuits for the deers. Notice a lot of visitors able to take picture after feeding deer with biscuit, you may have a try too!

Zen mode with Nara Deer

#naratrip Really enjoyed the energy and peacefulness of this area! At first was only expecting temples and view, but never thought that there are deers surrounding too! So much blending into the nature. There are more temples at the mountain top with paid entrance ticket, but we stop at the middle and bought a wishing-nara-deer as a souvenirs. Recommend to visit this place and allocate roughly 2-3hours for a slow pace tour.

Warmth Meal in Cold Weather

#naratrip I would strongly and personally recommend this restaurant! Although the restaurant does not look like one, but it does offer range of vegan options. The restaurant run by an old couple with warmth heart. Felt the welcome service from them, also chit chat with them. They operated this restaurant since 3 decades ago till date. Awesome blend into Japanese home and real Japanese meal! The taste is just so right and each components just compliments each other without overpowering.

🏢 Lush in Compact Hotel

#naratrip A compact yet comfortable hotel yet! This hotel located in just 5-10mins walking distance away from the nearest train station. Was quite surprised with the self-check in (3D Dragon and Ninja), the entire process was very easy and smooth with all the guided instructions. The lobby offers large range of comics on the shelf that open for hotel guests to read. Hotel guests also can get the towels some amenities, these are self-service and convenient. Not to mention, the hotel room has cable with different charging port!

Classical Japanese Garden To-in teien Garden

#naratrip Classical Japanese garden. Volunteers and securities are very helpful. I forgot my cell phone here, but they tried hard to help me find it. Very welcome atmosphere, highly recommended. Located at the eastern end of the Heijo Palace ruins, this is a restoration of the garden from the Nara period, when Heijo-kyo was in power. Although it is a little far from Daigokuden-in and other places, it is worth visiting.

Umami-kyuryo Park

#naratrip I visited during the cherry blossom season and the park was great. I went on a weekday but there was still ample seating for hanami sheets or just for walking around. I was able to take several photos of the sakura....... The park is very big and includes a kids play area with slides and other playground equipment. Parking was free which was also a plus.

Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum

#naratrip A breathtakingly beautiful garden. Quite a large one in fact, as a Japanese scene-borrowing garden (or so it called) that “borrows” the mountains far behind it as the backdrop, the South Great Gate of Todaiji is also sighted from afar, making the garden a microscopic of the Nara terroir. The name Isuien means “depends on water, by the water”, which well capturing the essence of the garden: the flowing water. Water forms two ponds, one in the front garden, the other in the back garden, and little streams and miniatures of water falls are seen everywhere to link everything together and breaks the mundane at the same time. The moss also makes give the garden a soft and tender texture, like the ancient temples in Nara or Kyoto will do. Not many people (well, that’s compared with the number of visitors in Nara) know about the place, which is a shame and a gift at the same time. All in all, a must visit place if you happen to be in the Todaiji area.

Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest

#naratrip This forest is part of UNESCO world heritage and it's a beautiful hike. If you're coming from Nara Park, you can enter the trail from just east of the restaurant Mizuya Chaya. Going around the whole forest took us about four hours. It will take you to the Wakakusayama hilltop, the Uguisuno-taki waterfall, and then along the southern edge of the forest. Some more detail: The full circuit is about four hours trek, mostly gravel path or asphalt, but quite a bit of incline in some places. Going from the trail entry to the hilltop takes about an hour, where you'll want to pause to enjoy the view, then another hour or so to get to the waterfall, and another hour and a half trek to the edge of the forest in the southwest. It's possible to meet cars along the way, but we never did, only two mopeds and two bikes along the full circuit. We met a handful of other hikers as well, mostly Japanese. It's perfect to spend a morning or afternoon. If it's a hot day, don't be discouraged, as the path is almost completely in shade from the trees and the forest is pleasantly cool even on a hot day. I recommend taking a lot of water along, as we did not see any water taps along the way. There are two restrooms we went by, one on the hilltop (where there are also vending machines with drinks), and one at the reststop on the southeast edge of the forest.

Shirataka Ookami

#naratrip There are no traffic lights. Once you leave the houses, the road narrows suddenly, so follow the road slowly. If you are worried, use Google Navi to point to Shirataka Daijingu Shrine. You can park a few cars on the road at the three-way intersection about 700m before your destination, but if you are confident, go all the way to your destination pond. When you hit the bank of the pond, you can park one car by backing up. There is something like a carpet. I was lucky to be able to park there after being told by someone who was working in the fields there.It's about an hour's walk from Kujo Station on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line. If you're confident in your stamina, you can get there without any problems. There are no dangerous parts along the way, but the area just before the deepest part is starting to collapse, so it's best to avoid going on rainy days or the day after rain. If you slip, you'll fall into the river.

Endless loop of children sliding

#naratrip It is located in Umamikyuryo Park and is very spacious. There is also a long slide, which is very interesting. It was an endless loop of children sliding on the grass. When I looked around, I saw that even children as young as 3 years old were skating in the larger lanes after first skating with their parents. Everything from the parking lot to the grass slides was free. It was empty on weekdays, but there's definitely a line on Saturdays and Sundays.

Pictureque Lanscape

#naratrip Eventhough this place is located little bit away from the Nara Park area, the 500yen Bus Pass can take you here without any additional charge. However there is an entry fee to the location and had normal and special ticket. The special ticket gives access inside the pagoda ad well and is costlier by almost 800yen than the latter as of July 2023. Quite picturesque landscape and can certainly considering visiting this place of you have time to spare during your Nara Itinerary.

Uda Animal Park

#naratrip Uda Animal Park is a must-visit destination for animal lovers. Located in the scenic mountains of Uda, Nara, the park offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of animals up close in their natural habitats. The park is well-maintained and clean, and the animals are well-cared for. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, providing interesting and informative facts about the animals. Another popular attraction is the petting zoo, where visitors can interact with domestic animals such as goats and rabbits. The zoo is a hit with children and provides a fun and educational experience. Overall, I highly recommend Uda Animal Park to anyone looking for a fun and unique experience in Uda. The park is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the amazing moments with the animals!

Majestic Waterfall

#naratrip Beautiful waterfall that's definitely worth a visit. If you are driving, You can park your car at Diamon zaka steps and hike to Kumano Nachi Tanisha then to Nachi Falls. You need to be reasonably fit and will take about an hour or more. Then take a bus back to Diamon zaka Alternatively, park at Nachi Falls carpark. Since Nachi Falls is quite close to Kumano Nachi Tanisha, you can also visit Kumano Nachi Taisha. Just walk down the road to the entrance of the shrine n loop back via the hiking route

Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach

#naratrip It's a cleverly designed rectangular plot of land that borders a beautiful beach. Clusters of buildings create interesting spaces and pathways. Walking around is tranquil and relaxing. The infinity pool overlooking the beach is by far the best pool (even beating the one with a water slide) due its views and relaxing sounds of the ocean. The rooms are well-appointed and are comfortable. The breakfast buffet was amazing, with a huge selection of western and Thai food! It was a full spread with additional a la carte menu options. The only slight negative is the remote location from any restaurants or shops. But honestly, staying put in this resort is probably just fine!

Kofuku-ji

#naratrip One of Nara prefecture's most visited attractions is Kofuku-ji. It is a short walk from Nara park and Nakatanidou shop. The temple is one of the oldest in Japan, that's why it is very rich in history as well as the other temples nearby. Very nice temple complex with main hall and 5-story pagoda at the beginning of Nara Park. It's the first complex you'll see coming from Nara JR Station. There is an entrance fee and be aware that the entrance fee is not for the national museum.

Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum

#naratrip We were lucky enough to have one of the staff do a guided tour. He was informative, funny and spoke perfect English. A massive thank you for the experience and educating us with the garden's history and the components of a Japanese garden. The ticket costs 1200¥ for one person, so we originally thought it's a bit overpriced, but it is definitely worth it. The garden is lovely and peaceful, not crowded at all so you can relax here and watch the nature. You can also visit adjacent museum with ceramics, it's included in the ticket. The staff was very friendly. Overall great experience!

Kasuga Taisha

#naratrip One of the most amazing places I've ever seen! Stunning nature, serene temples, and the charming sight of bowing deer – it feels like paradise. The shrine at Nara Park. The place is line with many stone lantern. The forest is very present to walk through. Building is painted in red lacquer. It is a beautiful place to take photos. There is a wisteria plant inside the temple. (bloom May or later)

Breathtaking Natural Beauty

#naratrip Visited 2024/01. Perhaps because she came after seeing the south gate of the First Daigokuden, she couldn't help but mutter, "It's huge." It may be obvious, but the buildings are the most gorgeous. Every corner of the building is beautiful. Although it is an old building, it is a safe and secure building that maintains a seismic isolation structure. It's amazing how they incorporated a seismic isolation structure while restoring it!

Suzakumon Gate

#naratrip Went for the fireworks in the winter (end of January) Be warned a lot of locals gave me the wrong directions to get to this gate , follow google maps for the best route. The gate lights up at night and is beautiful though I wouldn’t have stayed too long if it weren’t for the fireworks. Really beautiful nonetheless. The gate was a really pretty architecture. The complex also came with some information centres with different decorations and functions - could take several hours here.

Historic Monument of Ancient Nara

#naratrip Tōshōdai-ji (唐招提寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Risshū sect in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, features a single-story, hipped-tiled roof with a seven-bay-wide facade. Founded in 759 by the Tang dynasty Chinese monk Jianzhen during the Nara period, Tōshōdai-ji was established at the behest of newly empowered clans. Jianzhen was commissioned to travel in search of funding, including from private aristocrats. Tōshōdai-ji is one of the places in Nara designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, part of the 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

Quite Picturesque Landscape

#naratrip Eventhough this place is located little bit away from the Nara Park area, the 500yen Bus Pass can take you here without any additional charge. However there is an entry fee to the location and had normal and special ticket. The special ticket gives access inside the pagoda ad well and is costlier by almost 800yen than the latter as of July 2023. Quite picturesque landscape and can certainly considering visiting this place of you have time to spare during your Nara Itinerary.

Former Daikandaiji Temple

#naratrip Former Daikandaiji Temple. It appears to have been a huge temple in ancient times, and the remains of pagodas and other structures can be seen around the current temple. It is said that Bodhisena lived in this temple. The day I visited was a special opening day for the Eleven-faced Kannon Statue, the principal Buddhist image, but we were the only ones in the hall, so we were able to take our time to look at the Buddha, but it was a bit humbling to be able to see the Buddha so close. Did. The wooden Buddhist statues from the Nara period, centering on the Fuku Hosaku Kannon statue inside the new treasure hall, were soft and beautiful, making for a wonderful space. I would like to visit again.

#naratrip Enchanting Kyoto: A Journey Through Time and Tradition Kon'nichiwa, fellow adventurers and cultural enthusiasts! Step into a world of timeless beauty and profound spirituality as we embark on a journey through the ancient city of Kyoto, Japan. As a passionate explorer of Japan's rich history and traditions, allow me to guide you through the wonders of this enchanting city. Nestled amidst lush mountains and tranquil temples, Kyoto is a living testament to Japan's rich cultural heritage. From its majestic shrines to its serene bamboo groves, every corner of this historic city exudes a sense of mystery and allure that's impossible to resist. Begin your journey by wandering through the narrow streets of Kyoto's traditional neighborhoods, where centuries-old wooden machiya houses evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm. Take a leisurely stroll through the iconic Gion district, where geisha still gracefully glide through the streets, embodying the elegance of Japan's past. No visit to Kyoto would be complete without exploring its breathtaking temples and shrines, each more awe-inspiring than the last. Marvel at the golden splendor of Kinkaku-ji, the shimmering Silver Pavilion of Ginkaku-ji, and the vibrant vermillion gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha. But Kyoto's allure extends beyond its ancient landmarks – it's also a haven for art, culture, and culinary delights. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of a traditional tea ceremony, savor the exquisite flavors of kaiseki cuisine, or lose yourself in the beauty of a traditional Noh performance. As you explore the wonders of Kyoto, you'll discover that it's more than just a city – it's a portal to Japan's past, where time-honored traditions and modern innovation coexist in perfect harmony. So whether you're wandering through a moss-covered garden or sipping matcha in a centuries-old tea house, let Kyoto cast its spell upon you and transport you to a world of beauty and wonder. Until next time, sayonara and happy exploring! #Kyoto #Japan #CulturalHeritage #AncientCity #Temples #Shrines #TraditionalCulture #Geisha #Machiya #Gion #Kinkakuji #Ginkakuji #FushimiInariTaisha #TeaCeremony #Kaiseki #NohPerformance #TravelInspiration #Wanderlust #ExploreJapan #BucketListDestination #TimelessBeauty

Venue for the Tri Sports Festival

#naratrip It is the sports mecca of Yamatokoriyama City, and is the venue for the Tri Sports Festival, an athletic meet for adults held every autumn. However, it is extremely far from Kintetsu Koriyama Station, the gateway to the city, so we recommend taking a bus or bicycle from either station or Yamato-Koizumi Station. There are no dining facilities, so we recommend bringing food and drinks with you in advance. (There are no trash cans, so we recommend bringing small items such as bread or caramel that don't take up much space). It has also deteriorated since it was completed in the 1970s, so we hope that this will be an opportunity to move it to a more convenient location, such as around Kujo-cho, Konan-cho, or Koizumi-cho.

Contact with nature!

#naratrip Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this forest allows you to come into contact with the nature of Satoyama. You can return to your childhood in the forest scenery that changes with the seasons. It is also recommended for picnics and hiking. There are public toilets, so you can rest assured. There is free parking (approximately 100 cars). Highly recommended!

Jikoin Temple in Nara

#naratrip Jikoin Temple is designed as if the entire precinct is a sublime tea ceremony space. As you step through the main gate, a stone-paved pathway surrounded by lush trees unfolds before you, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. As you continue along the pathway, the Ibaraki gate appears, leading to a bright and open space. The garden in front of the tatami room resembles a picturesque painting, evoking feelings of inner peace and rejuvenation. Enjoying matcha tea while gazing at this garden is truly a blissful experience. In recent years, this place has caught the attention of international visitors. The opportunity to savor matcha tea while listening to the profound stories of the temple's chief priest offers a spiritual experience, making it a popular attraction. For those seeking the essence of Japanese beauty and a refreshing of the soul, Jikoin Temple is a must-visit spot, both for locals and tourists alike.