Trip Planner:   Asia  /  Japan  /  Kinki  /  Nara Prefecture  /  Nara  /  Nara Park

Nara Park, Nara

4.5

#1 of 601 in Wildlife in Japan

Park Wildlife Area Must See

• ©

Take a stroll among verdant trees and peaceful shrines of Nara Park, established in 1880. The park shelters relatively tame herds of sika deer, free to roam the lawns and gardens at will. Wander through groves of willows and cherry trees to spot picturesque ponds and admire numerous temples sprinkled throughout the park. The deer, although friendly, occasionally exhibit aggressive behavior in the presence of food--if you wish to feed them, purchase some rice crackers and keep your snacks away from their sight. Nara Park is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our international travel planner, Nara Edition.

more less

Create an itinerary including Nara Park

Start planning

Save Saved

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Nara Park Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5,262 reviews

Google

4.5

• By Paloum

  Quel bonheur de se promener dans ce parc avec des dizaines et des dizaines de cerfs qui n'attendent qu'une chose : qu'on leur donne à manger. C'est vraiment très reposant. Je le recommande.  more »

  What a joy to walk in this park with dozens and dozens of deer waiting for only one thing: that they be given food. It's really relaxing. I recommend it.
  View original
• By Extraordinary809292

  広大な公園には有名な奈良の鹿が沢山居ます、他ではあまり見られない光景ですね。 敷地内には、世界遺産の寺社・国立博物館など歴史的な見どころが満載。 緑が多くて、猿沢の池や若草山などの自然も豊かです。 春は桜、秋は紅葉がとても綺麗です。  more »

  There are a lot of famous deer in nara in a vast park, and it is a spectacle not seen so much elsewhere. The site is full of historical attractions such as the World Heritage Site, Temples and Shrines and National Museum. There are a lot of greens, and nature such as the pond of Saruzawa and Mt. Wakakusa is abundant, too. Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves are very beautiful.
  View original

View more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By RnV Marty

  This place was so cool. The deer are everywhere! Some were pushy, some were sweet and laid back. The biscuits are 150 yen per pack to feed to them. Watch your bags or they will try to bite them. My kids loved petting them and feeding them. If you hold the biscuit up they will bow to you to show they want it. You have to move quickly or they will try to grab it out of your hand. Don’t stand by their back side though, my youngest almost got pooped on 😂. It was worth the trip from Kyoto for such a unique experience. It is an open park so there is no fee to enter. The only cost is if you want to feed them like mentioned above. There is a little shopping alley right next to the train station as well.

  more less
• By Aj D

  One if the best experiences I've had with wildlife. You can buy a small stack of round crackers and actually feed the deer out in the open. They roam freely in the streets and parks and will actually come right up to you and bow. You then give them a piece of the cracker. Really wonderful. TAKE THE KIDS!!!!! Inspiring travels!

  more less

View more on Google »

Places to stay near Nara Park

Plan your trip to Nara

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.