Today we went to Inari which is a Shinto shrine that focuses on foxes. It is one of the quintessential images of Japan with its hundreds of vermilion torii.
It is so beautiful and even more so in real life.
Some school girls asked us if they could take a photo with us (which is the second time that has happened). They were totally kawaii.
We then went to Nara which is the home of the Todaiji Temple which is the largest wooden building in the world and has one of the largest Buddhas in the world. The part where it is housed contains about 1200 deer which run free.
The 1300th anniversary of the temple is approaching and they have a rad mascot called Sentokun which seems to be a sort of a deer boy. He appears all over the place in various poses. I have now read online that everyone in Nara hates the mascot because it is so weird and profoundly not cute. They are trying to promote a rival mascot called Manto-kun. Check out here for the debate. The pics of the "real life" version are even more disturbing.
Jess was not a big fan of the deer but liked them from a distance in a Buddhist manner. However, I’m a huge rap for them and think we should get some for Melbourne.
Deer just generally loving being alive...
The temple itself is massive
This is a pic of the massive Buddha which does not do its size justice. It is so immense.
Some kawaii deer toys:
And kawaii deer turd chocolates...
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