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Nara Park (Nara Deer Park)

4.5 (200)ParkTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

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

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

Cutest park. Plenty of Deer are seen. The best thing is they are so courteous, they bow down to you asking for crackers. It is such a cute thing to watch them and feed them. Baby deer are so cute. The temple is beautiful. The pond near the temple is beautiful. Great place to visit and spend a day with nature. 45 minutes by train from Kyoto.
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Sowmya Sreeram
Dec 4, 2024
Nice park with lots of wild deer, if you do decide to feed them the cookies which can be bought at many places for 200 yen, becareful as the deer wk come to you in large numbers, also some of the deer are not friendly and will bite you if you don’t give them the cookies which fast enough, but if you don’t have the cookies they are pretty friendly and docile. You can hide the cookies in your coat and the deer will leave you alone
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Andy Liu
Jan 14, 2025
A big park with lots of open space with deer wandering around. The area is surrounded by temples and shops as well as vendors selling deer feed. The deer are generally friendly but beware that some may bite or chase you if you have food.
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Christina W.
Jan 7, 2025
5-Star Review: Enchanting Nara Park, a Lifetime of Memories! I'm delighted to share my exceptional experience at Nara Park, Japan, a destination that exceeded our expectations in every way! Standout Features: 1. _Amazing Park: Nara Park is a stunning oasis, boasting beautiful landscapes, tranquil gardens, and a serene atmosphere that invites relaxation and exploration. 2. Cute and Polite Deer: The park's resident deer are an absolute delight! These gentle creatures roam freely, and their friendly demeanor made our visit even more special. 3. World Heritage Temples: Nara Park is home to several UNESCO World Heritage temples, showcasing Japan's rich history and cultural heritage. The architecture, gardens, and artifacts are truly awe-inspiring. Personal Highlight: Traveling with my family, Nara Park was the undisputed highlight of our Japan trip. My daughter fell deeply in love with this enchanting place, and we created memories here that will last a lifetime. Watching her interact with the friendly deer, exploring the temples, and enjoying the park's natural beauty was a true joy. Verdict: Nara Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan! With its amazing park, adorable deer, and world-class temples, it's an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to connect with nature, culture, and loved ones. Rating: 5/5 stars Will we return? Absolutely! Highly recommended for: - Families seeking a fun and educational experience - Nature lovers and photographers - Culture enthusiasts and history buffs - Anyone looking to create lifelong memories in Japan!
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Matt C
Jan 7, 2025
Be prepared to walk, and to stand on a queue. Especially if you want to take pictures from a certain angle. There are many school students visiting the Buddha Shrine and deer park. Many friendly deer are moving around freely. You are allowed to feed them but you should buy their special feed packets. Unsuitable food may upset a deer's stomach. There are sign to warn you about male deer as they can become aggressive. We didn't see any aggressive deer. They were all meek and cute. If you bow at them, they will bow in return. Make them bow before giving them a reward treat.
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Nita Hindocha
Dec 13, 2024


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