My Deer Nara

"Take the private Kintetsu Nara Line from Namba Station. Kaisoku-Kyūkō (快速急行) trains run three times per hour to Kintetsu Nara (40 minutes, ¥560). There is a faster train but only by 6 minutes, which doesn't really make much difference! Take the cheaper one.", said the lady at the Namba Tourist Information Centre. We took her advice and followed her directions, we got lost a bit while navigating our way in Namba underground walks but the train/subway staff were very helpful and spoke good English assisted us to reach our destination.

Nara is where Japan began. Overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Kyoto, is home to many historic landmarks and lush nature. This ancient city provides an ideal opportunity for a journey back to ancient Japan. Eight temples, shrines and ruins in Nara, specifically Todaiji (東大寺, Tōdaiji, "Great Eastern Temple"), Kōfuku-ji (興福寺) and many others, collectively form "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The mascot of Nara. A monk with antlers.

Without a map, we could only follow direction along the street but it was easy to find places in Nara. Just follow the crowd.

We came from the Kintetsu Nara Train station and walk leisurely to Todaiji Temple.

A bustling city of about 400,000 people - with rolling hills, ancient temples and imperious Bambis walking through its central streets.

There was a heatwave that day, temperature climbed up to celcius 35 degrees. But it was not as hot and humid as in our own country.

Bambis walking through Nara central streets at their whim. It just show you Nara is not your usual 1,300 year-old ancient former capital.

Vendors selling the bambis feed for 150yen a pack.

Nandaimon Gate - the large wooden gate.

Fierce looking statues guarding the Nandaimon Gate.

Nandaimon Gate - a huge portal erected without nails.

The Great Buddha, a colossal Bronze statue known as 'Daibutsu'.

The magnificent Daibutsu. To think that Empress Kōmyō (光明皇后 Kōmyō-kōgō, 701–760), a daughter of Fuhito, once prayed here gave me the goosebumps.

Nothing beats a bowl of delicious udon when one is famished.

It was a shame that we could only spend half a day in Nara. Visitors alike (us included) tend to overlook Nara and focus more attention to the quintessence of classic Japan -  Kyoto. It's not just a place where long antlered, bold and dashing bambis ruled. It might not be comparable to it's neighbour; the center of imperial refinement, where geisha and tea ceremonies, kimono and zen garden came to define the spirit of Japan. Nara is a romantic, enigmatic and sacred place in a sense - that leave you at once warmed.