And that's about half a day more than you need.
This is the first place we've been in Japan that we really felt we could've missed. There were a few nice temples to walk around, but after seeing Kyoto's beautiful temples over the last three days these just didn't compare. Tourists are also drawn to Nara to see the native Sika Deer that populate the entire town, but especially Nara Park. The locals consider the deer heavenly creatures due to their legendary role in Nara's early history; the deer obviously maintain that lofty status today because there is no other reason to let them take over all the public spaces. People treated them like puppies - feeding and petting them gleefully - and there were so many that you didn't have to look far to find your own deer to play with. (The number of deer in Nara > the number of squirrels in Central Park).
We walked around for the afternoon to see the sights, then had an early dinner and relaxed with our Kindles before turning in early. It was not a worthwhile stop, but we're looking forward to Osaka tomorrow.
This is what happens when you try to feed two deer at the same time, while sitting on a bench that puts you right at their eye-level. After this fellow got his arms bitten a few times he decided to feed some other deer elsewhere. Doesn't it look like fun??
This guy let me through with no problem, but then blocked Sarah's path for a few minutes (maybe he thought she had food?). Her facial expression sums up her feelings on the practically domesticated deer perfectly.
I tried to take a picture of the entrance of the Todaiji Temple...but I guess this deer thought I had some food for him?
I was able to get a shot of Todaiji Temple without any deer in it - and it was actually very impressive. We both liked the gold "horns" on top.
On our walk back to our hotel we passed through the Kofukuji Temple and saw this octagonal building - very different than what we've seen so far (and no deer around!).