In the ancient cities of Japan, nature swayed to the slow
rhythm of the wind. The temples, shrines, parks, people and food inevitably
beckoned and my heart followed the dynamics of each note. I was in awe of the massive
splendor of the Tōdai-ji and Yakushiji temples in Nara and the Kiyomizu and
Kinkakuji Temples in Kyoto.
Yakushiji Temple, Nara
Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara
Lunch at Shizuka Restaurant in Nara City was a feast to remember. The main course was a flavorful serving of kamameshi or “pot meal”. It blended pretty well with the cozy ambiance inside and the drizzly weather outside. I noticed a number of tables with two or three Japanese women enjoying the food and soft conversations. I later learned that Japanese women, especially those in their fifties or older are fond of having small get-togethers at restaurants for lunch.
For dinner, we tried out the resto bar Suicakuri in
Saidaiji, Nara City. It has a seating capacity of about ten to twelve. The
place, food and drinks were orchestrated in perfect harmony by a one-woman-band,
Tomoko-san. No wonder, it has become a regular stress-relieving destination for
people who have had a long day at work.
Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto
On the way to Kiyomizu Temple,I could not resist the temptation of the food on display at the Gion Tamejiro restaurant. A meal of Yuba-Don was worth the stop. It's a bowl of rice topped with yuba (tofu skin) with seasoned ground chicken on the side, grated carrot, potato and kudzu (Japanese arrowroot) sauce
