THOSE in search of peace and quiet in the middle of nature can find it in Nara, Japan, a tranquil sanctuary surrounded by lush landscapes and historic temples. My sister and I set out for the center of Nara in search of peace and quiet, where ancient forests and deer parks awaited our discovery.
We spent a considerable amount of time in Nara as part of my Japan vacation this year. Compared to my pals, I had 11 days in Japan. On the fourth day, my sister decided to join us, and we would continue our trek to Kinosaki and Kyoto together. My companions then said their goodbyes, abandoning me to my fate among the amiable residents of Nara's world-renowned Deer Park. After they left, my sister came along for the ride, and the three of us set off on an adventure to see all the beautiful sights that Nara has to offer.
The opening day of our journey took place in the quiet splendor of Deer Park, where holy deer grazed freely, creating an atmosphere of tranquility all around. As they savored their food, the thankful expressions on these sweet creatures' faces brought us great joy. They went so far as to bend down to you as they begged for goodies. We heard the rustle of leaves as we watched archery practice, a time-honored art form that has survived the test of time and continues to bring people together in perfect harmony.
We set out the next day for a trek through the primordial forests of Nara, where, amid the towering trees and moss-covered rocks, it appeared as though time had frozen. The woodland had been well-preserved for a long time, despite its old age, because of the hard work of park guards. As we made our way along the meandering trails, we couldn't help but be impressed by their vigilant watch on the natural surroundings and the guests.
Unfortunately, we failed to account for the amount of time required to finish our hike through the primordial forest, thus it was more difficult than we had expected. With side trips to see ancient rock formations and gushing waterfalls, the four-and-a-half-hour trek quickly turned into a six-and-a-half-hour extravaganza. Despite our exhaustion, every moment served as a reminder of the limitless wonders of nature and the beauty that enveloped us.
We took sanctuary at an obscure eatery, a real find in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood, as our bellies growled. The remodeled ancient house, run by a kind older couple, had a rustic beauty that captivated our senses and radiated traditional Japanese charm. Indulging in a hearty meal while serenaded by the sluggish purrs of our feline friends brought us comfort and a little escape from the hardships of our voyage.
Nara is a town where old and new live in perfect harmony, and guests are warmly welcomed. We were captivated by its enduring charm during our time there. Just an hour away from the lively city of Osaka, the hidden gems and gastronomic wonders of Nara call to visitors in search of unforgettable experiences and delectable cuisine.
The tranquil deer parks and lush woodlands that we remembered as we said goodbye to Nara are evidence of the timeless beauty of Japan's surroundings. The peace that awaits in Nara's tender embrace — a haven for the spirit, inviting visitors to come again and again—remains firmly planted in our hearts even though our adventure has ended.