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Travel Photos...Japan 2015, Page Two
Nara, Osaka Castle, Snow Monkeys, Skiing in Hakuba, and Mt Fuji
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The Deer are fearless in Nara. Nara was the Capital of Japan from 710 to 794.

Apparently, the Bhuddist Monks of Nara were also without fear, and, indeed, constitued a threat to the Government of the day, so the Rulers decided to move their Capital to another location.
This is the Temple of Kofukuji, in Nara.
Zen Bambi.
Osaka Castle.

During World War Two, the major port city of Osaka was almost flattened by bombing raids. The city is now a concrete jungle. The only significant patch of greenery remaining is around the Castle.

Osaka may be a one-trick tourist destination, but the Castle is certainly a great trick!
I did explore the interior of Osaka Castle, but it is a bit Disneylandish, so I did not bother showing any photos of the interior.
February is still a cold month in Japan, but in the Plum Garden next to the Castle walls, the blossoms were beginning to emerge.
Osaka Castle.

In the Plum Garden, this bird was enjoying the new blossoms of an early Spring. I am told that it is a thrush.
A Snow Monkey in Nagano Prefecture.
A village in the Snow Monkey Park.

Note the steam billowing out of the ground. The hot springs here have been colonised by tribes of Snow Monkeys.
Apparently, not all Snow Monkeys are equal. Some are allowed to bathe in the hot springs, and others are vigorously chased away if they dare to intrude.
Mother and Child.
Snow Monkeys can be quite aggresive. There are signs posted saying that you should not stare into their eyes, as they may take that as an act of aggresion on your part, and retaliate.
I did not take my camera while skiing, so I am grateful to Andrew Hollo for letting me use his photos of Hakuba.

This is a view from the gondola at Hakuba Goryu. There are several ski resorts within Hakuba. Andrew and I skiied here and in Happo-One.
A photo of me on my skis at Happo-One, courtesy of Andrew's camera.

When we were there, there was a huge amount of snow on the ground, and most days powder snow kept drifting down from the heavens. It was a delightful place to ski.

One of the advantages of skiing when one is 77 is that, apart from the various age discounts, my lift ticket produced a special sound as I went through the turnstiles. Apparently, it is a Japanese way of saying "Hi Grandpa".
Andrew snapped this tree laden with fresh snow.
Mt Fuji, taken from a Shinkansen train as we hurtled from Kyoto to Narita Airport, on our way home.
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