Japan - Nara and Hakone

Amida Buddha
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We took a relaxing day trip to Nara, which was the capitol of Japan before Kyoto. Buddhism is the key theme here (as most places we've visited so far) and the centre of Nara is filled with temples, with some Shinto shrines dotted around as well. A real cultural hub. One of the star attractions of Nara is the TODAI-JI which is one of the oldest wooden building and houses a massive scultpure of Amida Buddha. Truly stunning. We also viewed the KOFUKU-JI and its 5 story pagoda, KASUGA TAISHA and so much more!

Todai-ji
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The next morning we woke up super early to high tail it to Hakone to fulfill a promise to find an orignal YOSEGI-ZAIKU (marquetry) puzzle box. Reading the Rough Guide to Hakone we found out that it's tucked away near Mt Fuji in the middle of a nature park. Arriving at Hakone-Yumoto the tourist office advised us to stay at the local 'ryokan' behind the station tucked up on a very steep hill (+21% incline, yes there was a sign post stating that). She explained that the ryokan does not contain any bath/showers, as we know it and that the washing facilities are provided by the ryokans 'onsen' (hot spring) communal bath?!?!?

Holy horns
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Parking our bags in our tatami floor room we headed out to Hatajuka village where the puzzle boxes are made. After a very twisted bus ride into the mountains we arrived and spent the rest of the afternoon going from shop to shop checking prices, boxes 'san' sizes, box steps and generally being amazed at the whole craft of it all. (lol in truth you should have seen Michael walking around with pen and paper checking everything out and taking photos like a Japanese tourist!!)

That night we experienced our first onsen and thank god nobody was there to get offended even though we ensured we stuck to the rules as our guide book explained (and the numerious posters too!!). There is strict etiquette involved when using an onsen and as foreigners we had to be super careful not to offend anyone. For example the ryokan provided us with 'yukatas' and had to make certain to wrap left over right since the other way is reserved for the dead! Check the photo of Michael-wannabe-san trying to be a sumo-wrestler in the yukata.

Todai-Ji
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Next day we toured the Hakone National Park around Lake Ashino-ko and visited Owakudani (Hell valley) and it's bubbling and stinky steam vents formed by a previous volcanic eruption. For lunch we enjoyed delicious 'Gyoza' at the Gyoza Center in Gora and burped cabbage all the way home on the bus :) Relaxed again in the onsen and slept a wonderful night sleep at our traditional ryokan.