In old times, they were considered messengers of the gods and today they enjoy the status of national treasures. They roam the park in search of handouts from tourists (they sell rice cakes to feed them). They actually bow before taking the cake from your hands!
We saw the Kofuku-ji Temple, which was transferred from Kyoto in 710 as the main temple for the Fujiwara family. There are only a few buildings left- a three story and five story pagoda (the “Happiness Producing Temple”)
We continued our walk through the park to the Todai-ji Temple It was truly amazing. It is the largest wooden building in the world and houses the “Great Buddha”- one of the largest bronze images in the world. The Daibutsu-den Hall houses the great Buddha- a 50-foot high bronze Buddha completed in 752, surrounded by two Bodhisattvas and two Temple Guardians.
In the back is a wooden column with a small hole at the base (the size of Buddha’s nostril). Popular belief holds that those who can squeeze through are ensured enlightenment.
It was pretty funny to see adults trying to squeeze through this tiny hole.
Walking through Shinto Shrines and beautifully landscaped public areas; we climbed a set of stairs to the Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do Hall.
Finally, we got to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, founded in the 8th Century and completely rebuilt every 20 years according to Shinto tradition, until the end of the 19th Century. The approach to the shine was lined with hundreds of stone lanterns and inside hung hundreds of bronze lanterns. It was quite beautiful- moss covered stone lanterns in a beautifully wooded area with deer everywhere.
After 4 hours of serious walking, we headed back to the station and to Kyoto. We found a great spot overlooking the river to watch people and grab a late lunch/dinner. 
They had the most ingenious toilet so far- heated seat, combination bidet, and when you flush, the holding tank was filled by a faucet above the tank so you could wash your hands while the tank fills. Amazing!
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