Daibatsu-den Hall
The Todai-Ji Temple complex is considered to be the top tourism attraction in Nara. There is much to see here, and the complex is large, including some uphill walks to fascinating shrines and temples. You begin at the Nandai-mon gate, which leads to the main temple area. Encased in huge chicken-wire boxes are two wooden sculptures that aren’t to be missed. Carved in the 13th century, they depict mammoth wooden Nio-guardians. The carved images are magnificent but carry an enormous layer of dust. Because of the dust and the chicken wire, they’ll be best preserved in your mind, rather than your camera.
Dainichi Buddha image
The Daibatsu-den Hall is said to be the largest wooden building in the world, a claim made about at least one other Japanese building. Make no mistake, it’s huge, and houses the Daibatsu Buddha image, one of the most famous in Japan. It represents the Dainichi Buddha, and is 45 feet tall, crafted from 437 tons or bronze and 130 kilograms of gold. There are two other stunning golden images that flank Daibatsu, and several other notable wooden sculptures, among them the Koumoko-ten, to the left of the main altar.
Stone laanterns at Saigatsu Hall
After departing Daibatsu-den, a short walk up the hill behind the lake brings you to two important sub-halls, part of the Todai-Ji complex. Sangatsu-do Hall is also known as Hokke-Do Hall, and is the oldest structure at Todai-Ji. Ten enormous carved wooden statues are the reason you’ll want to visit. The focal point is the Fukukensaku Kannon. protexcted by Shukongo-jin, Kongo-rikishi warriors. A short walk from Sangatsu-do is Nigatsu-do Hall, its veranda commanding a wonderful view of Nara. Both of these halls are surrounded by lanterns. Stone pedestal lanterns are everywhere, cared for by a team of attendants constantly at work repairing and replacing paper windows. On the verandas, don’t fail to notice the fine metalwork of the hanging lanterns.
The Todai-Ji complex is at the easternmost point of the municipal walk that’s well-marked in Nara. Most of the atmosphere that you’ll remember, though, is up on the hill, at the Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do Halls.
Todai-Ji GPS: N34°41’19’’ E135°50’23’’
Nigatsu-do Hall GPS: N34°59’14’’ E135°44’36’’
Sangatsu-do Hall GPS: N34°40’53’’ E135°50’53’’
We needed to put “big girl” in quotes (rather than putting “big girl brothel” in the title), because word has come from Tokyo that the Makkasu Bodi (Max Body) brothel-to-go has been busted by Japanese police. The business catered to gentlemen that like their women big, or “like explosive boobs and asses,” said a police spokesperson.
Note: this is a product and service review reflecting the opinion of WoWasis. It is not to be construed as a medical recommendation. For all medical recommendations, consult your own trusted physician.
Although California voters recently approved a high speed rail system from San Francisco to Los Angeles, it appears to be slowly unhinging as a result of mounting labor costs as well as the inability to predict how many people will actually use the system. Japan, who produced the first national bullet train system (Shinkansen) is today facing a competitive situation that may be a precursor to similar controversies in California, if that rail system is ever built. Low cost airlines in Japan are eating away at the bullet trains’ profits.
Bangkok Airways no longer has an exclusive air route flying from Bangkok to Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway city to the historical Angkor Wat complex. With an agreement that took five years to forge, Thai Air Asia, beginning October 1, 2013, will now fly to Siem Reap, opening with a promotional fare that essentially amounts to roughly 1,000 baht (approximately $30 USD). After the promotional period, the fare is expected to stabilze at something like 3,000 baht ($100 USD). Bangkok Airways, never known as a low-cost airline, covered the route for approximately 14,000 baht round trip approx. $450 USD).
On your day walk through the old Japanese capital city of Nara, it’s easy to miss one of Japan’s most outstanding gardens. It’s a must-see, though, and it will take you less than an hour to complete the magnificent walking loop.
Located to the west of Todaiji Temple’s Nandaimon Gate, the Isui-en Garden sits astride the Yoshiki River. The garden’s beginnings are ancient, dating back to the 1670s. It was enlarged and developed by a number of others in the ensuing centuries, who completed the thatched-roof structures, paths, and waterways, which includes three ponds.
No visit to Takayama, Japan, would be complete without a visit to the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan Float Exhibition Hall. The floats are massive wooden two or three-wheeled structures, brought out twice a year for the Takayama Matsuri (festival). Four of these floats are always on a rotating visit to the museum, where you can view them from a distance of several meters, behind glass. They’re something to behold.
Here at 
We just loved the Suica card, and used it daily. It solved the mess of having to buy a subway or train ticket every time. The Suica card comes pre-loaded with 2,000 yen. When you run out, you put more money into it at a top-off machine near a subway or train gate. Suica always lets you on the train or metro. When your card doesn’t have full fare, the gate won’t let you exit, and friendly gate attendants will walk you through the charge-up procedure the first time. All machine instructions are in English as well as Japanese, so it’s really the easiest way to take transportation in the Tokyo-Kyoto metro areas.
