Our guide John pointed out important sights before we entered the Rokuon-ji Temple 鹿苑寺 to see the famous Golden Pavilion 金閣寺.

Immediately after our arrival at the lake side Ryotei Koyo 旅亭紅葉 ,

their staff welcomed us with bowls of matcha 抹茶 (thick powdered green tea) and plates of sweet wafers.

About an hour later, they welcomed another group in the same manner at this two level lobby.

After posing for a group photo in front, we followed the crowd into the Kiyomizu Temple 清水寺.

Lots of people wanted to test their strength lifting the 200-lb spear of Musashibo Benkei. Its square shaft had been worn smooth in the past centuries. Those strong enough to lift it straight up are worthy to be the Temple’s protectors. We chickened out with the lightweight version.

We peered down the shaft of the Kinmei-sui Well at the entrance of the Tenshu-kaku Tower of the Osaka Castle.

According to a legend, Toyotomi sank gold bars into this well to improve its taste. However, archeologists never found any gold.

The canopy of this well can be seen in this photo just peeking over the stone pedestal of the tower.

John pointed out the plethora of dining choices at Dotonbori 道頓堀,

from the exotic fugu fish,

the authentic takoyaki,

to the economical ramen.

Once one of us bought a packet of deer cracker, the deer kept coming.

Just outside the Nandaimon Gate 南大門, their presence is most felt, because more deer cracker vendors set up shop here.

Beyond the Middle Gate, admission is required. I think deer cannot get tickets to enter the temple ground.