Society

Nara Park remains quiet even after temples reopen

Jun 07 (NHK) - A park near ancient temples in Nara Prefecture was relatively quiet on Saturday -- the first weekend since the temples reopened.

Todaiji temple once again opened its Great Buddha Hall on June 1 after the government lifted a state of emergency for the prefecture. Kofukuji temple also reopened some of its facilities on the same day. Both temples are registered as World Heritage sites.

Before the outbreak of the coronavirus, Nara Park was always crowded with students on school trips and foreign tourists.

On Saturday, visitors, mostly families, were seen strolling or taking pictures with wild deer which freely roam there.

The animals were feeding or relaxing under trees.

A man who came from Osaka with his two children said they were happy to go out after having been cooped up at home for so many days.

A man in his 70s from a neighboring city said that he was surprised to see the uncrowded park, which was usually full of foreign travelers.

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