The deer roam free in Nara
The Great South Gate of Todai-ji was built in the 12th century
The Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji
The huge bronze Buddha statue of Todai-ji is 15 metres tall
The hole in this pillar is about the size of the Buddha's nostril and passing through it is said to bring good luck. This one was lucky just to make it out
Several other very impressive statues also reside in the The Great Buddha Hall
A 17th century wooden statue of Binzura, a disciple of Buddha, at Todai-ji
Yoshiki-en, Nara
Feeding the deer is allowed in Nara and they were definitely keen for a feed
Hogwarts at Universal Studios, Osaka. We spent 2 days at Universal Studios
The spectacular Osaka Aquarium has two whale sharks
Sealing decorations at Osaka Aquarium
Time for a break
Dotonbori, Osaka
The torii of Itsukushima Shrine, on the island of Itsukushima (better known as Miyajima)
The Toyokuni Shrine pagoda, Miyajima
Komainu. These lion-dog statues guard shrine entrances and ward off evil spirits
Itsukushima Shrine torii, with perfectly colour-matched tourist
Another Komainu lion-dog statue
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine at low tide
The deer roam free on Miyajima but feeding isn't allowed
The local oysters at Miyajima were superb
Looking east from the top of Miyajima
Looking north from the top of Miyajima
A Niomon gate in the middle of the woods on Miyajima, guarded by Nio, two fierce wooden warriors
There are many small statue shrines alongside the mountain trails of Miyajima
Daisho-in, Miyajima, is a great Buddhist Temple that features MANY great statues
Daisho-in
Ladles are used to pour water over these statues. The meaning and purpose varies; here it includes blessing those who died before birth
Henjokutsu Cave, Daisho-in, contains 88 Buddha statues dimly lit with hundreds of ceiling lanterns
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Hiroshima Castle
Kiyosumi Gardens, Hiroshima
Heading back to Toyko from Hiroshima
