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Japan Trip 3: Nara

After spending more than half day in Kyoto, we went to Nara by train which took about 45 minutes. We almost cancel our trip to Nara because running out of time. We just cut it short and we were so lucky there was a free shuttle at the Nara Station to go to the old site of Heijo-kyo Palace. What a lucky day, the free shuttle was due to the main events for the 1300th Anniversary Celebration of the capital city. The Heijo-kyo or the Heijo Capital was Japan’s first international capital founded in 710. Therefore this year, 2010, is an incredibly special year for Nara and also for the Japanese nation as it marks the 1,300th anniversary since the capital’s foundation.

Daigoku-den Hall

(It was used as the venue for important political and ceremonial occasions)

Suzaku-mon Gate

(This gate served as the official gate for the Heijo-kyo Capital and foreign deputies always entered through its portals.)




Guards dressed in classic costume on duty in front of the gate.



Night life in Osaka


(We reached Osaka at night and we went to find the halal restaurant. There is a Turkish restaurant in the city centre.)