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Deers at Nara park during a sunny day in the cherry blossom season

Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

Name: Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)
Address: Nara, Japan
Rating: 4.5

4.5 (200)・Park・Tourist Attraction・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Nara Park, often called Nara Deer Park, is a unique and enchanting public park in the city of Nara. This expansive park is famous for its historical temples and museums and its hundreds of freely roaming deer, considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods. The deer are tame and have become a symbol of the city and a major attraction for visitors from all over the world.

Spanning over 1,240 acres, Nara Park is home to some of Japan’s most venerated sites, including Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the Nara National Museum. The park's natural scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to colorful leaves in autumn, making every visit a picturesque experience.

Visitors to the park can interact with the deer, which are surprisingly friendly and accustomed to human presence. You can feed them with special deer crackers called "shika senbei," which are available for purchase within the park. This interaction provides a unique and memorable experience, allowing a close encounter with nature and wildlife.

Hours:

24/7

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome.

Fees

Free

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Phone

+81 742-22-0375

Website

www3.pref.nara.jp

The area

Address

Nara, Japan

Top ways to experience Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

8hrs

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara Temples

From $210 /person

5hrs

Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour 2024

From $77 /person

approx. 6hrs

Private Nara - Highlights Bike Tour

From $420 /person

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

Wonderful experience visiting the park! The deer are amazing and they do love their cookies! I felt like a Disney Princess while handing out the cookies and had a great time just walking the park and getting chance to be so close to the deer

Jessica Neal

Oct 24, 2024

This is a perfect place for any human heart. Deer will welcome you almost from the train/bus station, and stay along the site wherever you turn. Can feed them and they will be grateful. Just don't forget to bow to them! If done right - they bow back! 😄

ita40200

Sep 18, 2024

What's not to love about a huge park? This one's also got deer that will come right up to you and try to eat your pants. That's because there are vendors who will sell you crackers for 200yen to feed to the deer. The deer know you have them, and they will bow to you and expect you to give them a cracker. It's pretty funny.

C R

Nov 2, 2024

There's a very good atmosphere, traveling from Osaka is easy, it takes about an hour to get there. When you come out of the station, you can go straight to the park. It is recommended to come in the morning because there are many deer then. There are not so many deer in the afternoon.

Panukorn Inthajack

Oct 18, 2024

Had a wonderful time here amongst the deer. The get quite friendly and bow repetitively once you approach them with snacks. They’re very timid and used to the presence of humans. Nara needs to be a bucket list destination for you when visiting Japan!