“I could be poor like a fat wallet lost.”

The mausoleum of Emperor Suinin, who legend has it reigned around 29 BC: 

Thousands of lanterns lit up the path to Kasuga Taisha:

I also watched the daimonji when the character for “big” is set on fire on the hill above Nara park, but unfortunately wasn’t at an angle to get a picture.

Before the fire there were priests playing traditional instruments and chanting – afterwards there was pop. Japan likes to keep everyone happy.

     

Yoshikien Garden. No entry fee for foreign tourists! A really lovely moss garden:

And of course, the Nara deer. Last time I saw them they had a scruffy winter coat, and had only a couple months before had their antlers cut off for the safety of tourists. This time they were sleeker, and had the proud antlers that won’t be trimmed until October.

 

The Toro Nagashi ceremony involves floating paper lanterns down the river to guide the spirits of the dead (who have been visiting during the August Obon festival) back to the afterlife.

Ukai or cormorant fishing was fascinating to watch though not terribly efficient, I imagine. They carry a huge torch at the front of a small boat, with half-a-dozen of the birds down below with ropes around their necks.

I can’t imagine it would go over well with animal rights, either.