What other travelers are saying about Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)
This park is incredible! It’s lots of fun with the wonderful deer. I’d recommend going in the morning if you plan to feed the deer, even if you don’t it’s not a big deal you can still interact with the deer but please be gentle as they are still a wild species. It can get hot so take lots of water.
Nara Park is a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of Osaka, just a 45-minute train ride away. You'll find yourself surrounded by expansive gardens and friendly deer roaming freely, which is the main highlight of the visit.
Interacting with the Deer
The best part is feeding the deer. Be sure to buy their special crackers from the vendors (around 200 yen). A heads-up: the deer can be quite bold when they see food! They might try to get a cracker straight from your hand or even your bag, so be prepared and enjoy the fun.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
* Getting Around: While walking is a great way to explore the park, you can also use the local buses to save time and get to the various temples and attractions scattered around the area.
* Nearby Attractions: The park is conveniently located near several historical temples, which are a must-see.
* Shopping: Don't miss the market near the train station for local shops and snacks.
* Best Time to Visit: I recommend avoiding the summer months, as the heat can be intense. Other seasons are perfect for walking and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Overall, Nara Park offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and animal interaction. It's definitely worth a visit!
The Nara Park was one of our main attractions found in Japan in Nara City, located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. It is said to be established in 1880 and covers over 1,200 acres area.
It is also Famous for its free-roaming deer (shika), which are considered messengers of the gods in Shinto belief. Around 1,000–1,200 wild sika deer live in and around the park. Visitors can buy deer crackers to feed them.
The deer bow their heads to visitors before being fed – a tradition developed over time.
The following are the Important Attractions inside/around Nara Park
1. Tōdai-ji Temple which Houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the world’s largest bronze statues of Buddha Vairocana. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Kofuku -ji Temple is a Famous for its five-story pagoda, the second tallest in Japan.
3. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a major Shinto shrine known for hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns.
4. Nara National Museum - Showcases Buddhist art including sculptures, scrolls and ritual objects.
Being the park is a large one, one need to walk a long. We found hand pulling rickshaws; however the charges for the same are very high
Great experience with the friendly deer, some deer might hound you for food too. But otherwise I'd recommend keeping a distance until approached by the deer. Bonus recommendation - Keep something safe to consume by a deer food handy for an amazing experience.
I really enjoyed this park. It’s very large, full of historical monuments, and most famously, home to many friendly deer. You can buy special crackers to feed them and interact with them, which makes the visit quite fun. Overall, it’s an experience not to be missed if you’re in the area.
