According to Shinto tradition and lore, Nara deer were the sacred messengers of the gods, such that, in ancient times, killing a deer in Nara was a crime punishable by death.
These days the deer are no longer considered sacred, but to honor tradition they’re considered national treasures, which is why you can see them roaming in Nara Park. In fact, that’s why the park is sometimes called Nara Deer Park; it’s easily the area’s most defining feature.
Getting up close and personal with Nara’s world-famous deer
Today, there are over 1,200 deer in Nara Park, which is located in Nara, in Japan’s Kansai region. These deer are called sika, which is derived from the Japanese word for deer: shika. Where can you find them? Literally everywhere. There are so many deer that you don’t need to get far from the train station before you’re surrounded by them.
Feeding the deer
Nara deer are so used to the presence of humans that they’ve come to see tourists as a source of food. You can buy deer crackers for around ¥200 to feed them, after which deer will quickly start following you around. These are apparently nutritionally balanced specifically for the deer, so please don’t just go around giving the animals pizza. Oh, and a word of advice — don’t run or panic. Just calmly hand out the crackers until they’re all gone, or you could find yourself being chased, as many visitors are.
Do Nara’s deer really bow?
Yes! The deer in this area are also known for their unique quirk of bowing to visitors, especially if you bow your head to them first. This is apparently a learned behavior. The deer know that they’re more likely to get food if they do so. And rightly so. It’s adorable. But don’t be fooled into thinking the deer are always so polite. There are signs warning tourists that the deer can also bite, kick, and headbutt people, so you’d be wise not to provoke them. That said, as long as you keep your food stashed away and aren’t a jerk to them, Nara deer are as close to tame as wild animals get. If you’re keen to learn a little more than bowing from the deer, here are some top phrases to get you through your stay.
Keep an eye your belongings
It’s not just food you should keep an eye on though. When we visited Nara, we couldn’t count the number of times the deer tried to eat our guide maps. We’ve also heard a possibly apocryphal tale from a friend about a hapless tourist who dropped a wallet full of bills, and … you can guess what happened next. One of our writers also reported that Nara deer nibbled at his jeans, his satchel, and eventually his belly. You’ve been warned!
Nara Park opening hours and prices
FreeOpen 24/7
Nara Park itself is free to enter and open 24 hours a day, but you’re probably best off going during the daytime for a few reasons. Many of the temples and attractions are only open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the streets aren’t especially well lit. So if you’re going for some pictures, you might have a hard time at night. Most importantly, you’ll have the best chances to meet the deer, which hunker down after early evening.
Other things to do in Nara
If you don’t have much time, Nara Park is definitely the place to be, as Nara’s major attractions are concentrated here. It’s well worth taking a glance at a map (away from hungry deer) to figure out your route before you arrive. The must-see attraction is Tōdaiji Temple, said to be the world’s largest wooden building. As if that wasn’t enough, the temple also houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Entry costs ¥800.
There’s also Kōfuku-ji Temple, which features one of Japan’s best-known (and tallest) pagodas. This is best viewed from Sarusawa Pond, a small artificial pond. If you’ve got extra time on your hands, you can visit the nearby Nara National Museum for a little history, or Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its many stone lanterns. Here are some of the best places to see in the city.
Souvenirs and shopping in Nara
The deer are such an integral part of Nara’s tourism that there are several deer-inspired souvenirs to take home. Aside from the usual figures, accessories, and stuffed toys, there’s also a chocolate snack called “Shika no Fun.” The “fun” is pronounced like “foon,” not like the English “fun,” and it refers to, well, poop. As you can imagine, it’s a circular snack shaped to look like deer droppings. This is quite popular among tourists.
When it comes to shopping, you won’t find much but souvenirs in the park itself. Higashimuki Shopping Arcade is among the livelier retail spots in Nara, and has a wide variety of shops and restaurants. There are plenty of car parking options around this area too — with the official Nara Park car park reputedly the biggest and cheapest at ¥1,000 for the day. Read about renting a car in Japan.
Booking a guided tour of Nara
Can’t decide which temples or historical sites to see in Nara?
For the full experience — deer, temples, sake, and shaved ice — try this tour, which starts from Nara Station. Admission, sake tasting and transport are all included in the price.
Alternatively there’s a half-day tour starting from Kyoto, on which a local guide will teach you about the history of Tōdaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine.
And if you’re really pressed for time, join this Kyoto and Nara combined tour. In the morning you’ll see some major Kyoto attractions including Nijō Castle and Kinkakuji Temple, then in the afternoon you’ll head to Nara for all the deer you heart desires.
Getting around Nara
Nara is a popular stop on Japan’s “Golden Route”, so there’s a good chance you’ll be coming from (or going to) one of the Kansai region’s other big cities, like Osaka or Kyoto. Fortunately, the area is well connected, with trains running from early morning to late evening.
How to get to Nara
There are two main train stations in Nara that visitors will pass through — JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station.
To get to Nara from Osaka, you can take the Kintetsu Line from Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station in just 35 minutes. To get from Kyoto to Kintetsu Nara Station, you also take the Kintetsu Line, this time from Kyoto Station. This journey also takes around 35 minutes.
If you’re using a JR Pass, you could get the Miyakoji Rapid Train from Kyoto Station to JR Nara Station in 45 minutes. Just be sure to get the rapid train, not the local.
From Tokyo, you’ll want to catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto first.
How to get from Nara Station to Nara Park
Depending on which train station you arrive at, you’ll take a slightly different route. The park is a short walk from JR Nara Station — about 20 minutes in total. It’s a straight line once you’ve reached Sanjo Dōri Street. From Kintetsu Nara Station, it’s closer to 10 minutes, following Omiya Dōri Street. If in doubt, follow the crowds (and eventually, the deer). All in all, there’s a good chance you’ll be doing a lot of walking when you visit, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Best hotels in Nara
Thinking of staying in Nara? There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and ryokan (Japanese-style inns) near Nara Park. You’re best off doing a little research based on your price range — rates can vary wildly between modest and extravagant, depending on the establishment.
Our top pick is Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or, a hostel with its own bakery and options to upgrade to private rooms. You can read our full review of this hotel here. Meanwhile the Deer Park Inn has an excellent location, and Nara Ryokan is a great option for a traditional Japanese-style inn.
Pro tip: Check out our full guide to accommodation in Nara for even more options.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Nara Park?
Nara’s deer park is worth visiting in any season, though spring and fall are known as the most beautiful times to go. In spring, that’s thanks to the stunning cherry blossoms around Tōdaiji Temple. If you’re lucky enough to be in Kansai during full bloom, be sure to see some of Kyoto and Osaka’s amazing sakura spots too.
In autumn, the leaves turn to vivid shades of red, yellow, and gold, making for an equally magical atmosphere.
Is it worth going to Nara Deer Park?
Yes, Nara Park is definitely worth a visit. The deer are undeniably cute, and the ancient temples are striking. But Nara is an incredibly popular destination for locals and overseas tourists alike, so it can get very crowded.
Is Nara Park closer to Osaka or Kyoto?
It’s actually about an equal distance from both.
much does Nara Park cost?
Entry to Nara Park is completely free.
How long do you need for Nara Deer Park?
If you only want to see the deer, you can get away with just half a day at Nara Park. But if you’d like to visit some of the temples and shrines in the area, you should allow a full day.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post was first published in August 2015. Last updated in July 2024.
