Nandaimon, the Great Southern Gate

The Ancient Temples of Nara

---

September 23rd 2007
We took a day trip from Osaka on the train to visit Nara, a nice little peaceful city of 300 odd thousand people and famous for its series of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and an old imperial palace. Nara is also where hords of tame deer roam the city, the deer are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, and roam the streets and parks freely. Whilst they didn't give me ... read more

Asia » Japan » Nara » Nara

---

In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more