Third day in Kyoto was a day trip to Nara, i won't lie I just wanted to see the free roaming Bambi! Middle of the city, in a park, something like 1200 deer roaming freely. Prior to WWII the deer were considered sacred as one of the four gods of the Kasuga Shrine had appeared on Mt. Mikasa-yama riding a white deer. Killing one of the sacred deer was a capital offense, punishable by death. Somehow after WWII the deer were officially stripped of their sacred/divine status (maybe there was a ceremony?!) and now protected as National treasures.
No no this is not just a sign, they do roam around streets and paths without looking both ways.
Close to the deer park was the Kofukuji temple - a five story pagoda and there story pagoda. As with most pagodas in Kyoto this was burnt down a coupe of times and rebuilt!
Next Kasuga shrine, established at the same time as the capital and dedicated to the deity responsible for protecting the city. The shrine is famous for it's lanterns, donated by the worshipers. As you approach the shrine the path is lined with stone lanterns.
Inside there are hundreds bronze and metal lanterns hanging from the building. The lanterns are lit twice a year (feb and august) for the lantern festival.
Deer of course roam freely here too, some pop their heads out in hopes of a treat...
The shrine sells these fortunes carried by a deer mascot. I was super tempted but I am trying hard not to clutter my new house!
Lunch was at a tempura place. Very crispy and yummy though I am not a huge fan of their pork cutlets.
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