Nara Park: Deer, Temples, and Tranquility

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Discover ancient temples, serene gardens, and friendly wild deer in this historic park at the heart of Japan's first permanent capital.

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Nara Park

Nara Park is a spacious public park in Nara, Japan, famous for its free-roaming deer and historical landmarks. Established in 1880, the park is home to Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and the Nara National Museum, offering a blend of nature and culture.

A brief summary to Nara Park

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nara Park.

Buy deer crackers (shika-senbei) to feed the deer, but be aware that they can be quite assertive!
Visit Todaiji Temple to see the Great Buddha Hall, one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of lanterns, especially during the Lantern Festivals.
Take a stroll around Sarusawa Pond for a picturesque view of Kofukuji Temple's pagoda reflected in the water.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the sights.

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The Majestic Great South Gate of Todaiji

Getting There

Walking

From Kintetsu Nara Station, Nara Park is a short 5-minute walk. Exit the station and walk east; you'll soon see the park entrance. From JR Nara Station, walk east along Sanjo Dori Street for about 20 minutes until you reach the park. This route is straightforward and passes through a shopping street.
Public Transport

From JR Nara Station, take the Nara City Loop Bus (#2) from bus stop 2 at the East Exit bus terminal. The ride to Nara Park takes about 10 minutes and costs ¥210 for adults and ¥110 for children. From Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Nara City Loop Bus (#2) from bus stop 1. The fare is the same as from JR Nara Station.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available outside both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. A taxi ride from JR Nara Station to Nara Park costs approximately ¥730 and takes about 8 minutes. From Kintetsu Nara Station, the base fare for a small taxi is ¥660 for the first 1.5 kilometers, with an additional ¥90 for every 307 meters thereafter. Expect to pay around ¥1100 for a trip between the main train stations of Nara and Nara Park.

Discover more about Nara Park

Nara Park, officially established in 1880, is a sprawling public park nestled at the foot of Mount Wakakusa in Nara, Japan. Encompassing approximately 502 hectares (1,240 acres), or up to 660 hectares (1,600 acres) if including the grounds of surrounding temples and shrines, it is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Nara Park is renowned for its harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical treasures.The park's most iconic residents are the over 1,200 wild sika deer that freely roam the grounds. Considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition, these deer have been designated as a natural treasure and symbolize the city of Nara. Visitors can purchase special deer crackers (shika-senbei) to feed the deer, an experience that has become a major attraction.Nara Park is also home to several significant cultural and historical sites. Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, houses a giant bronze Buddha statue and is one of the most visited landmarks in the park. Other notable sites include Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of lanterns, and Kofukuji Temple, featuring a towering five-story pagoda. The Nara National Museum, located within the park, showcases a remarkable collection of Buddhist art.Nara Park offers a serene escape with its well-manicured lawns, ancient trees and tranquil ponds. Sarusawa Pond provides a picturesque setting with the reflection of Kofukuji Temple's pagoda on its surface. The park is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in the spring. Visitors can explore the park's many walking paths, discover hidden temples, and immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of Nara.The park's history dates back to the Nara period (710-784) when Buddhism was introduced into politics, leading to the construction of large temples like Todaiji and Kofukuji. The deer have been protected for centuries, with legends tracing their sacred status to a visit by Takemikazuchi, a god from Kashima Shrine, who arrived riding a white deer.