Nara Park: Bowing Deer, the Great Buddha and Ancient Temples
How to visit Nara Park: meeting the deer safely, seeing the Great Buddha of Todai-ji, and making the most of a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
Quick answer
- What it is: a large public park in the heart of Japan's first permanent capital.
- Famous for: more than a thousand free-roaming deer, and Todai-ji's Great Buddha.
- Cost: the park is free. Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall charges a separate entry fee.
- Time needed: half a day for the deer, Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha.
- Best time: early morning, before the day-trip crowds arrive from Kyoto and Osaka.
In Nara, deer wander between ancient temples, nap under the trees and bow to visitors in hope of a cracker. It is one of the most charming, and slightly chaotic, experiences in Japan.
Why Nara Park is a wonder
Nara was Japan's capital in the 8th century, and many of its greatest temples and shrines stand within or beside the park. Together they form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.
The deer have lived here for centuries. In local belief they are messengers of the gods of Kasuga Taisha shrine, and today they are protected as a national natural treasure.
The Great Buddha of Todai-ji
Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall holds a giant bronze Buddha, around 15 metres tall, first completed in the 8th century. The hall around it has been rebuilt after fires, and the current structure, from 1709, is still one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.
Look for the pillar with a hole at its base. Squeezing through is said to bring good luck, and it draws a happy queue of children.
Nara Park highlights
| Spot | What you see | Walk from Kintetsu Nara Station |
|---|---|---|
| Kofuku-ji | A five-storey pagoda and treasure house | 5 minutes |
| Deer park lawns | The friendliest deer and cracker sellers | 10 minutes |
| Todai-ji | The Great Buddha and the giant Nandaimon gate | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Kasuga Taisha | Thousands of stone and bronze lanterns | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Wakakusayama | Grassy hill with views over the city | 30 minutes |
When to go
- Early morning: calmer deer and quieter temples before 10 am.
- Spring: cherry blossoms around the park and temples.
- Autumn: red and gold leaves, especially around Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha.
- Lantern festivals: Kasuga Taisha lights its lanterns on special nights in February and August.
Our tip: Deer can smell crackers from a distance. Once you buy a stack, feed it quickly and then show your empty hands, palms up, so they know you are finished.
Getting there
- From Kyoto: the Kintetsu Line reaches Kintetsu Nara Station in about 35 to 45 minutes on express trains.
- From Osaka: Kintetsu trains from Osaka-Namba take around 40 minutes.
- JR option: JR Nara Station is about a 20 minute walk from the park and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Meeting the deer safely
- Only feed the deer the special shika senbei crackers sold in the park. Human food can make them sick.
- The deer are wild animals. They can nip, butt or kick, especially in autumn and when they see food.
- Do not tease them by holding out crackers and pulling them back.
- Never leave plastic bags or rubbish behind. Deer can choke on them.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nara Park free?
Yes, the park and the deer are free. Temples such as Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall charge their own entry fees.
Do the deer in Nara really bow?
Many do. They have learned to bow to people holding crackers. If you bow first, some will bow back.
Is Nara a good day trip from Kyoto?
Yes. It is under an hour from Kyoto by train, and the main sights are all within walking distance.
Are Nara's deer dangerous?
They are generally gentle but they are wild. Watch children closely and avoid teasing them with food.
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