Todai -ji Temple, Nara

We left Kyoto this morning for Nara which is just 45minutes away on the express train. Nara was the ancient capital of Japan in the 8th century and is famous for the Todai-ji temple (shown in the main photo), which houses an enormous statue of Buddha, as well as numerous other temples and the deer of Nara Park who have learnt to bow to tourists in return for rice crackers which are sold on stalls everywhere. In extras Tess and one of the residents are exchanging pleasantries.

We arrived late morning so spent the afternoon walking around the park and temples, enjoying cherry blossom flavoured ice cream and the sunny weather.

Other extras show the statue of Buddha, details from the shrines and Wakakusayama Hill, which forms an impressive backdrop to the city.

Our hotel is notable for having an onsen (public hot bath) with separate ones for men and women, which we soaked away the aching bodies in when we got back from our walk, and a free bar from 5 - 9pm in which we enjoyed a glass of whisky after our meal in a local Katsu restaurant.