A Rite of Passage Fulfilled

Leaving behind our exquisitely redone Kyoto AirBnB accommodations, an old urban shop-residence in the heart of the Nishijin silk-weaving district, we ventured out by train to visit both KASUGA TAISHA (a Shinto shrine surrounded by hundreds of stone lanterns) and TODAIJI (a Buddhist temple, “largest wooden building in the world”) in nearby Nara. Lots of sacred deer greeted us upon arrival, messengers of the gods and voracious munchers of thin crackers offered by visitors.

At the rear of the Buddhist temple is a pillar with a hole in its base reputedly the size of the Buddha’s nostril which brings good luck and health to those who crawl through it.  Elliot, Oliver, Olivia, Sarah and Marie all managed the feat, along with lots of smaller kids.  That makes twelve Makela family members (out of fifteen) over three generations who have fulfilled this traditional expectation!

After a quick lunch, we moved on to BYODOIN, perched on the edge of a beautiful pond and enhanced by lots of blooming cherry trees, and FUSHIMI INARI, according to Trip Advisor “the most popular tourist site in the world” for four years running!

Back in Kyoto for dinner, we indulged ourselves in steaming bowls of ramen noodles, choosing among a host of restaurant contenders high up in the ultra modern railroad station, a yummy ending to a stimulating day!


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