Osaka, Nara and Kobe

The next day, we took the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Osaka.  We had a pass and could use the trains as much as we wanted for 7 days.  On the way to Osaka, we passed Mount Fuji. 

 Mount Fuji from the train windows...the weather cooperated with us!  We arrived in Osaka, and checked into the hotel.  Then it was off to the town of Nara...

 In Nara, we fed the deer...they are friendly and sacred animals here.  We all enjoyed feeding them...except when they would bite you because you weren't fast enough handing out the crackers!!

 Todaiji Temple is one of the largest wooden structures in the world.  It was neat to see, and we enjoyed touring around inside.  We were fortunate that very few people were there, so we could take our time.

 Inside the temple is a large Buddha statue...

 They were starting a renovation project and needed funding...you could purchase a roof tile for 1000yen (about $10) and paint a message on it...this is my tile.

 After Nara, we went back to Osaka and found dinner.  This noodle shop is just awesome!!  It is in an area of town called Namba, and we loved it! 

 The next morning we went to Kobe to visit a cat store we had found on the previous trip to Japan in 2008.  We were excited it was still there...once again, we stimulated the economy :)

Waiting outside until the cat store opened, we enjoyed these pretty gardens...I was surprised at some of the flowers that were still blooming.  Many that would have long stopped for the winter back home, were still going strong.  The weather seemed just as cold as back home, so I don't know what the difference would be.

Tomorrow we'll visit Kyoto...we hope you are enjoying these photos.