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

Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

4.6 (74378)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

An absolute highlight of our trip! A magical experience for kids. We had a wonderful day exploring Nara Park with our kid, and it was easily one of our favorite family experiences in Japan. The blend of beautiful nature, ancient history, and friendly animals is perfect. The park grounds are massive and stunning, leading you directly to magnificent shrines and temples. Seeing the incredible wooden structures and walking through the peaceful paths felt like stepping back in time. The biggest hit for our kid was, of course, the free-roaming deer! You can buy special deer crackers (shika-senbei) from local vendors all over the park for just 200 yen a pack. My kid enjoyed feeding them so much—it was incredibly fun to watch the deer politely "bow" their heads to ask for a cookie. Tips for Parents: The deer are generally very gentle, but they can get enthusiastic if they see you holding cookies! If your child gets a bit startled, just hold your empty hands up to show the deer you're all out, and they will walk away. The park involves a lot of walking between the different temples and shrines, so comfortable walking shoes are a must for everyone. It’s an unforgettable, interactive day out that both adults and children will love. Highly recommend making the trip here!

Srikanth Reddy

May 31, 2026

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!

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.

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!

Visiting Nara Park was such a unique and memorable experience. It’s incredible how just a short 3-minute walk from the train station brings you face-to-face with deer casually roaming the area. You can purchase deer food for 200 yen (cash only), which makes the experience even more interactive. The deer are absolutely beautiful, but it’s important to remember they are still wild animals. We heard quite a few startled screams from visitors who weren’t paying attention to the posted signs, so definitely stay aware and respectful. If you walk further into the park, you’ll find the deer are much calmer and more relaxed. A helpful tip: when feeding them, bow and wait for the deer to bow back before offering food. Once you’re out, raise both hands and gently wave them to signal you have no more. The temples throughout the park are extraordinary and add such a deep sense of history to the visit. The scenery is truly breathtaking, photos don’t fully capture it. And don’t miss out on the sakura and matcha ice cream, both were delicious. Overall, an unforgettable experience, just remember to be respectful!