Todai-iji Temple and the Big Buddha

We ended up visiting Nara Park three times. When we arrived on Sunday afternoon, we took a quick walk to the park before dinner. We didn't see much because it was getting dark but we did see the big gate and a bunch of deer.

On Monday, we spent the day at the Park. We saw the big gate, the Todai-iji Temple, the daibutsuden that houses the big buddha, the big buddha and several other minor (but no less beautiful) temples. We had a yummy soba lunch at the park, after which Maki and I went back to the ryokan so MJ could nap while CJ peeled offed with his grandparents and visited more temples.

On Tuesday, we visited Nara Park again, this time with Alex and Christine who arrived around 9pm on Monday night.  We were incredibly lucky with the weather The sun was out, the sky was blue and it was sweater or light coat temperatures.

Here's the family in front of the big gate, with one of the ever present deer. 

Check out the blue sky. It was a gorgeous, perfect day! 

The daibutsuden that houses the big buddha 

 The large buddha is framed by other buddhas

Mj got to ring the gong.

CJ, Christine and I in front of the gate.

MJ just loved riding on Uncle Alex's shoulders.

Alex and MJ inside the gate. When crossing the gate, you are not supposed to step on the threshold. 

We donated 1000 yen to buy a tile for the daibutsuden roof. We got to the write a message.