One of the memorable things about the trip was getting there. I flew from Perth Western Australia via Singapore and Bali, thanks to Garuda International overbooking the original flight I got to fly with Singapore Airlines and to see Changi Airport, which is an experience in itself.
My son and his in-laws' met me at Kansai Airport and we went for breakfast before driving to their home.
The next day we went to Nara, on the other side of Ikoma Mountain. We visited the Deer Park, where Deer walk freely around. I saw the very large statue of Buddha in a very old temple, Todji I think! If I had been alone I would have gone to the museum in the park. The rest of the visit was spent at a beautifull J
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My son and his in-laws' met me at Kansai Airport and we went for breakfast before driving to their home.
The next day we went to Nara, on the other side of Ikoma Mountain. We visited the Deer Park, where Deer walk freely around. I saw the very large statue of Buddha in a very old temple, Todji I think! If I had been alone I would have gone to the museum in the park. The rest of the visit was spent at a beautifull Japanese Tea House, where we took many photo's and enjoyed a tea ceremony.
Kurama Onsen where we indulged in a long soak in a natural hot spring before going to Kurama Village to visit Kurama Temple. This was a great highlight as it was where Dr Usui re-discovered the Reiki texts and received transmission of reiki energy. Kurama Mountain itself fairly humms with energy and is very invigorating. The temple is accessed by cable car and stairs.
Osaka Castle, near the business district was another good place to visit. It is now a museum containing many artifacts of the Edo period, armour, swords, helmets and other things. Also there is a great view from the top floor, there is disabled access via an elevator.
I rode a pushbike to the local Railway Station (Ishikiri) where we parked the bikes and went to a shopping centre which was one building part of the underground station and above, but I didn't see any windows. Shopping is expensive I priced a pair of socks at 1000 yen which at the time was close to A.00.
-Hot cans of coffee out of a vending machine, unreal!!!
-Osaka City By night, very colourful with neon signs lit up.
-The food is fabulous, I ate everything that was put in front of me and liked most of it.
-Fun park at the top of Ikoma Mountain. We had lunch at a department store in Ikoma, close to the Cable Car station Will go on the rollercoaster next time, it hugs the edge of the mountain and I think it would be totally terrifying.
Quick Tips:
Just be open to enjoyment of the differences. Western culture is a veneer on the surface, beneath is a very old culture which is soul deep.
Wear shoes which are easily removed, you will be forever taking them off, and it is time consuming if you have to deal with lace ups like I did.
Best Way To Get Around:
I went by car, bus, train and cable car. Car takes forever, bus a bit better with designated lanes (I think) sometimes. Train/Subway is the way to go, but not cheap. Read Less