From Tokyo, we took Shinkansen to Osaka. We then spent three and half weeks in the Kansai region before heading out to our second country, Taiwan. While in Osaka, we took a day trip to Nara. Here are some photos we took. You can right click each picture and open it in a new tab to view more clearly. We also visited Kyoto for 3 days and those photos are in a separate post.
Tsutenkaku
The Glico Running Man at Dotonbori
Food Signs at Dotonbori
More Dotonbori Food Signs
Four Faces in front of Dotonbori Hotel
Namba Yasaka Shrine, Osaka
Shitennoji Temple, Osaka
Gokuraku Jodo Garden at Shitennoji Temple (3 rocks in the center of the pond represent Amida Buddha and his attendants)
Sorihashi Bridge at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka
Gate of Happiness at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka
Cherry Blossom at Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle
While visiting different places in Osaka, we also tried some delicious food.
Tonkotsu ramen at the famous Japanese ramen restaurant chain Ichiran
Okonomiyaki, a popular street food originated in Osaka
Omurice at Hokkyokusei, Osaka that claims to have invented this dish
Liquor Museum at Namba Walk, Osaka
Last but certainly not least, below are the photos we took during our one-day trip to Nara. I really enjoyed the area. In the future, if we stay in Osaka again, I'd like to go back and do another day trip, so we can check out some of the other lesser-known sites.
Deer on the way to Todaiji Temple
Nandaimon Gate at Todaiji Temple, Nara
Giant Statue at Nandaimon Gate
Todaiji Temple
Giant Buddha Statue inside Todaiji Temple (supposedly a single open hand is as tall as a human being)
Todaiji Temple behind cherry blossom
Deer near Nigatsudo (Pavilion of the Second Moon) at Todaiji Temple
