Cleanse it with fire!
Today was the first of our day trips out of Osaka. Our day trip was to Nara, and the Todaji temple, and the surrounding area. Before we headed out, we made a pitstop at Shin-Osaka station to a shop called Eki-Ben.
We loaded up on boxes aplenty before dashing about to find other food to nosh on before we boarded the train for Nara. Our next stop was the Pokemon Center inside the one of the malls at the station, one of the few places I’ve seen to have a 13th floor.
Before we departed, we ate our morning helping of baked goods.
Cubed potatoes and bacon on bread Curry-pan! Sakura paste tart
The sugar boost was much needed, as it was a bit of a trek once we got to Osaka station from the Midosuji-line to the main part of the station for the JR line we needed. Needless to say, once we settled in on our hour-long train ride, we were ready for our bento lunches!
3 Beef Bento UNAGI! Spring Bento with bamboo Katsu and roe bento Chestnut spring bento box Strawberry pudding Pot of creamy, custardy, caramel goodness (custard with caramel bottom below the cream)
Once we arrived in Nara, we walked out to the Todaji temple and park area. Saw this fun shop on the way there:
Serious, but amusing warnings about the deer As many deer as there are tour busses Just looking cute so you’ll feed me. This was stunning in person
The main reason for coming, however, was for Otaimatsu (part of Omizutori, done to cleanse people of sins and welcome Spring). This ritual takes place every March, and has been an annual event for over 1250 years. For all but two days of the two weeks they do this, they will bring up the bamboo poles one at a time. On the 12th and 14th, they will light all the poles and hang them over the balcony at once, for even more fire! The burning embers/ash is said to bring good fortune if it lands on you. Definitely have some luck coming my way now!
We passed out on the train ride back to Osaka station, and once we got back to our home station, we had a late dinner at CoCo Curry.
Fried Chicken Curry w/ Veggies Plain curry with egg and garlic Katsu Curry with Veggies
More day tripping to come tomorrow. Thanks for reading.