So the capsule hotel was really weird. Happy I did it- it was an experience for sure- but I don't think I will do it again.
Yesterday was beautiful. It was our last day in Kyoto so we woke up and saw the two temples we missed the day before: Nanzen-ji and Daigo-ji. Nanzen-ji is a complex of zen temples very well known in Japan. It was very cold that morning as you can probably tell from the photos, maybe 45 degrees. There was a huge 5 story pagoda that was pretty awesome.
Next was Daigo-ji. Wow!! This place looked like a dream, it was completely breathtaking. We actually had to sit down for a while on a rock and just stare at it. As the sunlight changed, the whole area changed. You can see the difference in the photos of overcast versus sunlight. Amazing. Loved this one so much- really glad we didn't miss it.
Then, we took the electric railcar to south to Nara. This is a less commercialized area- very true Japan. A lot of locals and not as many tourists. We stayed in the most beautiful ryokan. After checking in, we went to the attraction that Nara is know for: Todai-ji. The Great Hall of Buddah. Ok, this was seriously a sight to be seen. It is the largest wooden structure in the WORLD. Inside, is an enormous statue of Buddah made of bronze (it used to be covered in gold too). It was really impressive- unfortunately the photos don't do the Buddah justice. Evan and I left in awe of the beauty and size.
The temple is in Nara Park which is home to thousands of wild deer. They are everywhere and very comfortable with humans. In fact, there are "deer crackers" you can buy and feed them. However, we had to hide the crackers because they will nudge you, push you and bite your clothes if you don't give them the crackers fast enough!
Then, we walked home to our ryokan for a good sleep.