🦌🏯 Kōfuku-ji Temple Weekend Escape: Ancient Wonders & Deer Encounters

#summervacay
*Perfect for history buffs • temple hoppers • nature lovers*

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### **🌅 DAY 1: Temple Grandeur & Nara Magic**
**🚄 8AM:** Train from Kyoto (45min) or Osaka (1hr) → Kintetsu Nara Station
**🏨 10AM:** Drop bags at **Nara Hotel** (Meiji-era luxury near the park)

**🛕 11AM:**
- **Kōfuku-ji's Five-Story Pagoda** (2nd tallest in Japan, ¥700 entry)
- **Eastern Golden Hall** (don't miss the stunning Yakushi Buddha)

**🦌 1PM:**
- Lunch at **Harushika Sake Brewery** (sake tasting + traditional set meal)
- **Nara Park deer feeding** (buy shika senbei crackers, ¥200)

**🎎 3PM:**
- **Nara National Museum** (5-min walk, incredible Buddhist art)
- Matcha break at **Nakatanidou** (watch mochi pounding)

**🌙 7PM:**
- **Todai-ji Illuminations** (seasonal night views)
- Dinner at **Kameya** (local kakinoha sushi)

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### **🚶 DAY 2: Hidden Treasures & Local Crafts**
**☀️ 7AM:**
- Sunrise at **Saruwaka-machi** (empty historic streets)
- Breakfast at **Mellow Café** (deer-shaped waffles)

**🎨 9AM:**
- **Kōfuku-ji's Treasure Hall** (national treasures like Ashura statue)
- **Naramachi district** (merchant houses turned craft shops)

**🍱 12PM:**
- Bento lunch by **Sagi-ike Pond**
- **Yoshiki-en Garden** (free for foreigners, 3 garden styles)

**✍️ 2PM:**
- **Calligraphy workshop** at Nara Visitor Center
- **Mochi-making experience** at Nakatanidou

**🚄 5PM:** Scenic return with deer-themed souvenirs

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### **📸 Must-Capture Moments:**
1. **Pagoda reflection** in Sarusawa Pond
2. **Deer bowing** for crackers near Tokondo
3. **Golden Hall interiors** (morning light best)
4. **Lantern-lit paths** during illuminations

**💡 Pro Tips:**
✔️ **Combined ticket** for pagoda + treasure hall (¥1,000)
✔️ **Early mornings** avoid crowds (opens 9AM)
✔️ **January 15th** - Tokondo candle festival

**#kofukuji #naratravel #japantemples #deerpark**

🦌 **Save this for your spiritual getaway!**