Travel Plan
Nara Park

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · NARA

Nara Park

A vast green park where over 1,000 sacred deer roam freely and bow for crackers.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
2 hours
Entry
Free
Best time
Morning
Area
Nara Park

A large park where hundreds of friendly deer roam freely.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Nara Park, Zoshicho, Nara

  • From Nara Station: 5–10 minutes' walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
  • Crackers: Special deer crackers (shika senbei) are sold by vendors.
  • Caution: Deer can push, nip or butt when they see food; watch small children.

The story of Nara Park

In local tradition, a deity rode into Nara on a white deer, so the deer of Nara have long been considered sacred messengers. Today they are protected as a national natural treasure.

More than 1,000 deer live in and around the park, many of which have learned to bow in return for crackers.

Best time to visit

Best season

Spring and autumn; autumn colours are beautiful.

Best time of day

Morning.

Autumn

Male deer can be more aggressive in the rutting season.

Tips before you go

  • Deer bow for crackers. Feed only the official deer crackers.
  • Bow to the deer — some bow back.
  • Only feed them the official crackers.

Best hotels near Nara Park

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Nara Hotel

Historic 1909 hotel by Nara Park.

See prices

JW Marriott Hotel Nara

Modern luxury hotel near the station.

See prices
All hotels near Nara Park

What's around Nara Park

  • Todai-jiIn the park.
  • Kofuku-jiTemple with a five-storey pagoda.
  • Kasuga TaishaLantern shrine.
  • NaramachiOld merchant quarter.

Questions travellers ask

How many deer live in Nara Park?

More than 1,000.

Can I feed them?

Only with official deer crackers.

Is the park free?

Yes.

More in Nara

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple

Read the guide
Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha

Read the guide
Back to the Nara guide
Travel Plan · Nara Park Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure