Nara is the ancient capital of Japan. It was constructed in 700's (AD) and was the eastern terminus of the great silk road. It was here also that Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Thus, there are many temples and gardens in this city, which has still has some ancient architecture because it was not bombed during WW II. Below is one of the largest Buddha's in the world. If I remember correctly, it is the largest indoor Buddha. Five men can easily stand in the palm of his hand. 
There is a column at the back of the temple with a hole in its base. The hole is the same size as one of the statue's nostril. If you can pass through the hole, it is said that when you die you will easily pass into heaven. Mostly young children did this, but one of the male teachers in our group slid through. Apparently he has a free pass the rest of his life.
Here a I am drinking free Hojicha (roasted green tea) in a Buddhist monastery. Life does not get any better.
On the same hillside as the free tea room at the monastery is Kasuga Grand Shrine, the most important Shinto shrine in Japan. Shinto is Japan's native religion. They believe that everything in nature has a spirit or kami. It was interesting to note that the Japanese are not exclusively one religion the Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine are almost one complex. Below is the base of a 800 year old tree at the Kasuga Shrine. The Japanese would see this as the home of spirit, so it is in a prominent place in the shrine.
Wednesday morning, we will tour more sites in Nara and then catch a train to Kyoto. The Japanese moved their capital from Nara to Kyoto because the Buddhist temples became too powerful in Nara. The temples actually had their own private armies, which were more powerful than the emperor's forces.
Chuck Newell
Nara, Japan
10/21/08
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