Can I feed the deer in Nara Park?

Yes, you can feed the deer in Nara Park. Special deer crackers, known as "Shika-senbei," are available for purchase at various locations throughout the park. It is important to feed the deer only these crackers to ensure their health.

Are there any entrance fees for visiting Nara Park?

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Nara Park itself; it is open to the public year-round. However, some of the temples, shrines, and museums within or near the park may charge admission fees.

What are the main attractions in Nara Park?

Beyond the deer, Nara Park is home to several cultural and historical attractions, including Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant Buddha statue; Kasuga-taisha Shrine, known for its lanterns; Kofuku-ji Temple; and the Nara National Museum. The natural beauty of the park, combined with these significant sites, offers a rich cultural experience.

What should I do if a deer bites or behaves aggressively?

Deer bites are rare, but they can occur, especially if the deer feel threatened or are overly eager for food. If a deer behaves aggressively, maintain your distance and avoid making eye contact. If bitten, seek first aid promptly.

A deer stands alert under vibrant red and orange autumn leaves, with another deer grazing nearby. Sunlight filters through the colorful trees, illuminating the peaceful park scene.

A woman in a tan coat kneels and feeds a deer in a park surrounded by vibrant autumn trees with yellow and orange leaves.

Three deer graze on a ground covered with fallen cherry blossoms, with vibrant pink cherry trees in full bloom in the background. The scene captures a serene, springtime moment in a park or forest.

Two deer nuzzle each other on a grassy hill under blooming cherry blossom trees in a park, surrounded by soft pink flowers and greenery.

A group of people, including children, interact with numerous spotted deer resting under trees in a park. The area is shaded, and more visitors and deer can be seen in the background.

Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

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Nara Park is a sprawling 514-hectare public park in Nara, Japan, established in 1880 as one of the country's oldest parks. Located in the heart of the ancient capital, the park seamlessly integrates some of Japan's most significant cultural treasures with natural landscapes, creating a unique heritage site that attracts millions of visitors annually.

The park's most famous residents are its population of over 1,000 free-roaming sika deer, considered sacred messengers of the Shinto gods and designated as National Natural Treasures. These remarkably tame deer have coexisted with humans for centuries and will bow to visitors in exchange for shika senbei, special deer crackers sold throughout the park for around ¥200 per pack. While generally gentle, visitors should be cautious during rutting season in autumn when bucks become more aggressive.

Within the park boundaries stand several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Todai-ji Temple, which houses the Daibutsu, a colossal bronze Buddha statue standing 15 meters tall and weighing approximately 500 tons. The temple's Great Buddha Hall is the world's largest wooden building. Nearby, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, founded in 768 AD, features thousands of bronze and stone lanterns lining its pathways. The shrine's vermillion buildings set against the forested hillside create one of Japan's most photographed scenes. Kofuku-ji Temple, with its iconic five-story pagoda, is another major landmark within the park.

Nara Park is located in central Nara, approximately 45 kilometers south of Kyoto and 50 kilometers east of Osaka. From Kintetsu Nara Station, the park entrance is a 5-minute walk, while JR Nara Station requires about 20 minutes on foot. Both Kyoto and Osaka are accessible via frequent train services taking 35-50 minutes. The park itself is free to enter, though individual temples and museums charge admission, typically ranging from ¥500 to ¥600 for adults.

Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

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What other travelers are saying about Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

A very interesting place to visit, for both adult and kids alike. They have deers roaming around freely. You can feed them, pet them, but be careful when doing so, as they are not actually tamed/domesticated. You can buy snacks to feed the deers, which can be quite exciting once the deers start coming to you. All in all, worth coming here and making the time to really explore the whole place. So many places of interest to visit such as temples, shrines, parks.

Hardi Hazizie Ab Hamid

Dec 27, 2025

Don't stop at the first deer you see, there are lots and lots more!! The park is huge! Try not to be afraid of them, show empty hands and they move on. The crackers are 200 yen for a stack of 5 or 6 crackers. Break them into small bites and that will last you for a lot of deer visits. Also, explore!! So many fun places outside of the park!

🦌 I highly recommend to go to nara before 11 am!! You’d get to have some quality time with the deer (feeding them and taking pics in peace). So getting there around 10ish is fine. After 11 am it gets sooo crowded. ⏳ 🍪 deer cookies are 200 yen (cash only)! 💴 🍦 The matcha flavored soft serve is so yum!! 😋 500 yen. They also have other flavors. 🚉 accessible via public transportation from osaka & kyoto. No need to book a tour. Just seeing and feeding the deers takes 1-2 hours. You can have a bite or walk around (towards enchi garden) (+1-2 hours). Oh!! Please don’t wear new shoes to Nara Park.. 🦌💩

Nara Deer Park was one such place for me. As I walked through its wide green lawns, ancient stone paths, and softly whispering trees, I felt an instant calm settle in. And then, as if on cue, the stars of the park appeared—the graceful, free-roaming deer. Considered sacred in Japanese tradition and believed to be messengers of the gods, these gentle creatures move freely among visitors, unafraid and curious, adding magic to every moment. What made my visit truly special was the stillness. I sat down, simply soaking in the beauty around me, when a deer quietly wandered close—as if joining me in my peaceful pause. No rush, no noise, just shared silence and soft smiles. It felt like nature itself was reminding me to slow down, breathe, and be present. Moments like these don’t need grand words; they live in the heart. Nara Deer Park is more than a tourist destination—it’s an experience of harmony between humans, animals, and history. Surrounded by ancient temples, open skies, and gentle hooves on grass, I left with a lighter heart and a deeper appreciation for life’s simple joys. Sometimes, happiness looks exactly like this: a quiet bench, a soft breeze, and a deer who chooses to share your moment.

Great experience. Must see place if you are visiting Japan more than 10 days. Ar the edge of city is national Park with hughe Forrest, tracks for walking, temples and untouched nature. The most amazing is of course deers who are tame, approaching to people, waiting to be feed, sometimes like bagging for food and be around you till you have food for them. Animals are not dangerous even mature males have long and sharp horns. Food for deers you can buy from street sellers and is affordable.