Cherry Blossoms: Nara and Kyoto Revisited

During the last 10 days or so I have been enjoying the company of various Cardiff course mates from around Japan and fresh of the plane from Blighty. Claudia, just arriving after 6 months in Italy, wanted to see some sights. Being the gentleman I am I escorted her and Eiji's (Cardiff course mate) friend Tuomas (Finnish, studying in Tokyo) to Nara and Kyoto, which I visited way back in September upon arrival myself.

Cherry blossoms are near worshiped in Japan, as it sweeps south up towards the capital and beyond, and they do indeed increase the beauty of some already inspiring locals. I suppose I should let the photos do the talking...

The entrance to a trail of hundreds if not thousands of red "Toji" leading up a mountain side, a sight I missed first time round.

A close-up of the cherry blossoms.

Claudia squeezing through a hole the size of the Bhudda's ear hole, apparently. Located inside the temple pictured below, people que to squeeze through, proving their wisdom... apparently.

The Aforementioned temple complete with friends and cherry blossom.

Bad fortunes are tied and left at the temple, often on trees. Quite what the trees did to deserve this is beyond me.