Nara is famous for the deer at the park.    https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4103.html   I have been keeping notes during the day and my entry for this day says “Pants bite terrify bow crackers”. A very accurate description of events.  There will be a link for a video of my experience the end of this post.  The deer over the years have learned to bow to get a cracker due to watching the Japanese bow and it is absurdly adorable.  What isn’t adorable is how they lick and nip at your clothes while you are trying desperately to unwrap the crackers.  Two of our group got bruises on their bellies from it.  When you have no crackers you put your hands up to show them empty and the deer immediately go to look for someone else.

Our fearless leader, Nick and the official Nara Mascot:

Todai-ji Temple is known for having the largest bronze Bhudda statue.  https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4100.html

People also travel here to attempt to fit through a pole with a small hole it it that is called Bhudda’s nostril.  This is said to speed your path to enlightenment.  Two of our group were able to fit through much to the delight of the crowd watching.

For lunch we went to a Kaiten sushi place.  So good! Also, more sake!

Later, on our way to dinner we saw the most gorgeous Sunset.

Dinner was another fantastic meal called Sukiyaki.

Steps 10,500

Promised deer video:

The deer bow by command or if you bow first: