Along the main road, I spotted a pathway leading to something that looks like a small temple, uhm, I wasn’t really sure, because I could not read the Japanese inscriptions and I was only seeing from a distance. I painstakingly tried to take a photograph of myself along the pathway, but only to no avail. Suddenly I saw a man approaching me, volunteering to take a photograph of me at the place, and I gladly accepted his offer. After taking photos, he told me that the place I was seeing at the end of the pathway is an emperor’s tomb. I asked if I could come closer to take a look. He replied that I could check until the gated portion of the shrine.

After doing some photo shoot at the area, I continued walking. Then I heard a voice coming from behind me. I turned my head and saw a man, whom I presumed to be in his late fifties or early sixties asking me if I know where I was heading to. I politely told him, "No (sir), actually no" (what I exactly meant: I was trying to find my way around). From there he ushered me until we reached Kōfuku-ji Temple (興福寺 Kōfuku-ji). O by the way, the man even volunteered to take a photograph of me by the pond just across Kōfuku-ji Temple and the Five Story Pagoda. So many good-hearted people in Japan, indeed!  

Kofukuji Temple is an impressive reminder of the former greatness of Nara, which was the capital of Japan from the year 710 to 784. Kofukuji consists of numerous significant buildings and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara." Its five-story pagoda is the second-tallest in Japan, and is commonly recognized as a symbol of Nara (photo and label from online source:Japan travel)

I really didn't take so much time at Kōfuku-ji Temple. I was having a difficulty photographing myself haha. So I went on, with Isuien Garden on my mind. I saw a number of deer roaming around, and took some photos of them.

ISUIEN GARDEN

Isuien Garden turned too difficult for me to locate that time. I spent a great deal checking on maps, looking and asking for directions, until I was able to locate it! Isuien is a privately maintained traditional Japanese style garden in Nara; it is modest and quiet, with a pond and lush greenery accented by the borrowed landscape from Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji Temple and the Kasugayama Hill. This is exactly what I came here for! Yet it's a sad thing that I could not have a good capture of this borrowed landscape...oh, maybe I was taking the photo at a wrong angle. Sad!

The leaves of trees at Isuien began to change colors

There you can see the hills and a portion of the Todaiji Temple

I was ushered by a guide inside the garden.  She tried to explain to me the meaning of several sections of the garden such as the small pond by the entrance; the tea house and the borrowed landscape at the main pond). The tea house, by the way, has a very low and small door, which according to the guide became a symbol and reminder of humility for people back then (and even today). Oh what a life's lesson we should always remember! 😊

Here's one thing: The entrance fee to Isuien is a lot more expensive compared to entrance fees to famous castles and temples in Kyoto including Korakuen Garden, which is Japan’s 3^rd most beautiful garden situated in Okayama. Nonetheless, Isuien is still worth a visit if you want to appreciate its beauty first hand. O by the way, I forgot to mention that the entrance fee is inclusive of a ticket to the Neiraku Museum located just at the front area of Isuien. It houses a collection of antique artifacts and works of art. I didn't  check inside the museum, though. O boy, I was too tired!

YOSHIKIEN GARDEN

This garden is situated right beside Isuien Garden. Unlike the latter, there is no entrance fees being collected from foreign tourists.

Inside the garden you will be greeted by the lush scenery. It is smaller than Isuien, yet I think the greenery is equally refreshing despite that it does not have the 'borrowed landscape' that Isuien Garden got to enjoy from neighboring sites.

TODAIJI TEMPLE

Behold this is the largest temple in the whole city of Nara which houses the Great Buddha statue. After a much tiring walk, at last I reached this place! There were lots of tourists and deer around (much more than those I saw earlier)! And alas! This was where my misadventure happened (well, aside from being lost three or four times in locating Isuien). When I was about to enter the enormous gates, my iPad battery has gone drained! Too tired and disappointed for this misadventure, I went back to Isuien where I deposited my things in a locker for a refundable hundred yen fee. Please, oh please when you go for sightseeing like this, make sure that you have your gadgets (camera) in full battery or that your power bank is compatible with your gadget! And please, don't go around while carrying all your things and luggage! Check in first at the hotel or look for spots (like Isuien and I think many other tourist spots) which rent out lockers and there you deposit your things and then go! Move around freely 😀!

At first I planned to get my digicam (o yes, i was bringing an extra camera) and head back to Todaiji. But my tired body started to give in that I lost heart to go back to the temple. I went on to find my guesthouse. I think I circumnavigated the whole Nara that time that I was yearning so much to get some rest!

WHERE TO STAY IN NARA?

Many sites like booking.com offer a great number of hostels, hotels, guest houses to choose from for those who are staying in Japan for sightseeing. If you intend to spend days or nights in Nara, I personally recommend Nara guesthouse 3F which I got for 3,000 yen per night inclusive of breakfast consisting of fresh fruits, bread toast, scrambled egg, fried ham, yogurt and a choice of coffee, tea or real fruit juice! Buuurrrppp!! The guest house is new; the rooms, the shower rooms, toilet, kitchen, living room are squeaky clean :-) You can check out their site here http://guest-house3f.com/en/

The only downside: quite difficult to locate because it is situated side by side with other establishments in the area. Thanks to a Japanese guy who helped me out in locating the guesthouse. Believe me, he couldn't speak English at all but did all his best to help me! In my behalf, he went and asked people around. Japanese people are really helpful!

Here is a guy who wholeheartedly helped me find my guesthouse in Nara! Thanks to him!

After spending a night at the airport (click here for the whole story http://mhymusings.blogspot.com/2015/10/kansai-airport-kix-my-first-ever-gyudon.html), the guesthouse has provided me a good rest that night. ZZZZzzzzzZZZZ