Kiyomizu Temple

This Buddhist Temple was built during the Heian period  in 798. Kiyomizu literally means "pure water"

The Deva Gate

Purification fountain

These fountains can be found in all temples or shrines in Japan. Visitors are required to purify themselves by washing their hands and rinsing their mouths before praying.

 

This temple is also noted for its beautiful background scenery which changes with the four seasons.

Rubbing the Buddha for luck!

Statues of  Jizo, the guardian of  the souls of the stillborn, miscarried and aborted babies. They sometimes can be seen wearing bibs

Otowa Waterfall where visitors can drink the water from 3 different streams

Osaka Castle

A picture stop at the Osaka Castle

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is located in the area along the Dotonbori Canal. It is famous for its shops and restaurants and its many neon signs  and signboards.

A Giant Crab

 

Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi is Osaka's main shopping area

Universal Studios Japan

This theme park was opened in 2001 as the first Universal Studio outside the US.

Winnie Woodpecker

Bert and Ernie

Shrek!

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - The Ride

This is the most interesting ride I have experienced. We sat  in the high-tech vehicle called "Scoupe" which crashed through the streets, being flung into the air, scaled  the skyscrapers and eventually plummeting to the ground in a simulated 400 feet free fall.

We had Ramen for lunch at this restaurant next to Universal Studio

Vending Machines

You will see vending machines everywhere in almost vandal-free society of  Japan.  Japan has the highest number of vending machines per capita, 1 for every 23 people.

Todai-ji Temple

This temple was completed in 752 and  is the largest wooden building in the world. It houses the world's largest bronze Buddha.

This statue is 16 m tall ans weighs 500 tonnes.

 

Tamonten, a heavenly guardian is seen here holding a brush and a scroll to symbolise the copying of the sutras.

Kokuzo Bosatsu an Enlightened Being

 

A pair of Nio guardians guarding the entrance to the temple

 

The deers roaming freely in Nara Park are considered to be " the messengers of gods"

 

Road leading to the temple

The stele in front of the temple