What to know
Nara Park (奈良公園, Nara Kōen) is a sprawling public park in the heart of Nara. Founded in 1880, it houses many of the city's top sights, including Tōdai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Kōfuku-ji, and the Nara National Museum. The park is also famous for its hundreds of freely roaming deer.
Regarded as divine messengers, Nara's more than 1,000 deer have become an iconic symbol of the city and are designated a natural treasure. You can buy special deer crackers (shika senbei) from vendors around the park. Many deer have learned to bow politely to request food. While generally tame, they can become pushy if they think you have crackers, so avoid teasing them.
Nara Park is a five-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or about a 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station. Alternatively, you can take a bus; several stops are located around the park.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Original name
- Nara Park
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