We did our best to wake up early. Even caught the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Even ran to the Shinkansen train. *Wheezing*
Transferred trains in Nara.
Kintetsu 近鉄 line (subway) is 3 big blocks away from JR Nara station. Quite the up hill battle on foot. It costs ¥560 one way to Asuka 飛鳥 via Yoshino 吉野 line. However, to get on board Yoshino line you have to transfer two times. 1st at Yamato-saidaiji 大和西大寺, 2nd Kashiharajingu-mae 橿原神宮前, then do you have access to Yoshino line. Tiring.
We ate some bakery good at Yamato-saidaiji and Kashiharajingu-mae station for breakfast and lunch.
Arrived at Asuka (Aska = Oscar). Yay! It is very hilly here. Caught bus 23 to Ishibutai bus stop. The Yumechi restaurant I wanted to eat black rice curry was closed until 5th Jan. Not just me but others were disappointed too. Oh well. It is the business choice to lose potential moolah. We all had to settle for street stalls. Sis and I had green tea and taro ice cream. plus Takosen (たこせん). Yummy.
The tomb stone was well made by man. Solid structure. Medium in size. The coffin box was made of stone 3m H x 2m W. Thick too. Wow.
This place is famous for hiking and viewing historical stones around town. Definitely good for bike riding.
Icoca card is a necessity here. Top it up and swipe away my funds is better than to look for change. However, I have a Suica card already. I really don't like carrying too many RFID smart cards. When visiting small towns, one needs to bring small change. That I should put into hindsight.
In Nara, everything was closed too. Naramachi was no exception. The parks which were normally filled with deers, was empty of animals besides humans playing soccer. It seems during first week of new years the deers are taken to away.
Upon reaching Todaiji temple by myself, as Sis' foot gave up, there were plenty of deers. Hungry deers. Many bow for food. A few sat around waiting rather than chase humans for crackers. So cute! I had to pet them. I purchased fried food on a stick for Sis. Took bus back to JR Nara station. Stumbled onto another lane way of shops. In Keirindo book store I have found a book about making wagashi (¥1,260). Sweet.
Bus number 1 is loop bus and you have pay upon entry ¥200. Whereas bus 2 & 6 is a loop bus but you pay as you exit by driver.
We returned to Kyoto. Any restaurant which happens to be open was packed to the brim on the inside and outside people wrote their names on the waiting list just to have dinner. Many businesses which closed for the year is missing massive moolah. LMAO.
Dinner at 東百菜. Yum. Then browsed around Suvaco and did grocery shopping. Ah, the green tea pudding is weak compared to Uji green tea pudding. .
