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.

Nara Park (Nara Deer Park): Highlights, Access & Tips - Trip To Japan

Nara

Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

4.6 (75224)ParkTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 3, 2026

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.

Phone

+81 742-22-0375

Website

www3.pref.nara.jp

Overview

Address

Nara, Japan

Places & attractions near Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

A serene Japanese garden with a pond featuring water lilies, trimmed bushes, blooming flowers, rocks, and lush green trees under a bright blue sky with distant hills in the background.

Isuien Garden

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with bright red wooden structures, stone steps, and surrounding trees, illuminated by natural daylight.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

A traditional Japanese temple with a black tiled roof and red-and-white wooden beams stands on a grassy field under a clear blue sky.

Heijo Palace Site

Soni Highlands

Places & attractions near Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

Isuien Garden

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Heijo Palace Site

Soni Highlands

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

I would recommend climbing more up because the deer in the park are pretty aggressive. The deer that were up were so chill and I gave them crackers because people probably don’t give them as much as in the tourisy area. But the deer are very cute and it is so surprising seeing them cross the road. Recommend!

Jasmina Purgaile

Jun 9, 2026

Absolutely worth the time and effort to visit this place. An easy 35-45 minute train ride from Osaka or Kyoto. Many wild, free-roaming deers within the park. You can purchase some deer crackers and feed them. They will bow for the crackers, but do be careful. A few of them can be aggressive. They can bite and even knock you down, especially the large bucks. They're wild animals. But don't just feed the deers. Go and explore the UNESCO World Heritage, Todai-ji Temple. Discover the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and visit the Kofuku-ji Temple five-story pagoda; all within walking distance. You can easily spend at least half a day exploring this area on foot. Put on your good walking shoes. There's a restaurant up on the hill of Kasuga Taisha Shrine area servings delicious udon noodle. It can be a long wait, but definitely worth the time.

touristy but i am a tourist so… it was great fun in my opinion !! the deer are all so cute (some slightly passive aggressive however the moment they smell crackers on you) and the park itself is very spacious. the souvenir shop has lots of cute souvenirs and the matcha ice cream is delicious, i highly recommend !!

Visiting Nara Park was an absolutely amazing experience! Walking through the park surrounded by friendly deer is truly unforgettable. You can purchase special deer crackers for about 200 yen and feed them, which makes the visit even more interactive and fun. One tip: be sure not to have loose items hanging from your bag or pockets, as the deer may try to nibble on them. When feeding the deer, it’s best to take out one cracker at a time rather than holding the whole stack, since they can become a bit eager and crowd around you. Overall, if you’re comfortable around animals, this is a unique and memorable experience that I highly recommend!

I first visited Nara over 10 years ago, and it truly feels like the deer population has multiplied since then — there are so many deer everywhere. One thing to keep in mind is that these are wild animals. They are friendly, but do not provoke them. If I’m being honest, some tourists were behaving a bit silly. Be gentle with the deer. Be respectful. Female deer can become aggressive in spring after giving birth as they protect their offspring, and male deer may show aggression in autumn during mating season, so extra caution is needed. The Japanese consider them sacred animals. You can purchase deer biscuits to feed them. Deer crackers have been part of Nara’s culture since the Edo period and represent a long-standing tradition of interaction between people and the deer. Do not feed them anything else. Watch your belongings. If, like me, you get a little nervous around animals, you can cross the road to avoid some of the deer — though you will most likely encounter a few while exploring Nara.