Nara Park: Where Deer Roam Free
Discover ancient temples, serene gardens, and friendly wild deer in Nara Park, a historic treasure in the heart of Nara, Japan.
Nara Park is a spacious public park in Nara, Japan, known for its friendly wild sika deer that roam freely. Established in 1880, the park is also home to significant cultural landmarks like Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The deer, considered messengers of the gods, are a major attraction, and visitors can purchase special crackers to feed them.
A brief summary to Nara Park
- Nara, Nara, JP
- +81742-22-0375
- Visit website
Local tips
- Buy deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed the deer, but be aware that they can be eager and persistent.
- Visit during the daytime to fully appreciate the park's attractions, as many temples and museums have limited hours.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is large and requires a good amount of walking.
- Be respectful of the deer and avoid teasing them, as they are still wild animals.
- Check out the traditional Japanese gardens, such as Isuien and Yoshikien, for a peaceful escape.
Getting There
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Walking
From Kintetsu Nara Station, Nara Park is a short 5-minute walk. Exit the station and turn right, walking east. You'll soon see the entrance to Kofukuji Temple on your right, followed by the park entrance. From JR Nara Station, walk east along Sanjo Dori Street for about 20 minutes until you reach the park. Sanjo Dori is a broad shopping street that's easy to recognize. No cost for walking.
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Public Transport
From JR Nara Station's East Exit, take the Nara City Loop Bus #2 from bus stop 2. The fare is ¥210 for adults and ¥110 for children. The bus will take you to Nara Park in about 10 minutes. From the west exit of Kintetsu Nara Station, cross to the northern side of the street and catch the number #2 bus service from bus stop 1. There is a flat fare for adults of 210 yen and 110 yen for children.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside the East exit of JR Nara Station. The taxi fare to Nara Park is approximately ¥730 and the journey takes around 8 minutes. From the West Exit taxi ramp at Kintetsu Nara Station, the base fare is ¥660 for the first 1.5 kilometers, with an additional ¥90 for every 307 meters thereafter.
Discover more about Nara Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kasuganoenchi
0.1 km
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Todaiji Honbo (Abbot's Quaeters, Temple Office)
0.3 km
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Todaiji Nandaimon (Great South Gate)
0.3 km
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Ban Inoue Todaiji
0.4 km
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Rokuen Park
0.4 km
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Tobihino
0.5 km
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Todaiji Kondo Hakkaku Toro (Bronze Octagonal Lantern)
0.5 km
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Todaiji Nigatsudo (February Hall)
0.5 km
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Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
0.5 km
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Asajigahara Enchi
0.5 km
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Todai-ji Urasando (Back Approach Road)
0.5 km
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Ukimido
0.7 km
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旧奈良市水道高地区配水池
0.7 km
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Sagiike pond
0.7 km
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Todai-ji Daibutsu-ike Pond
0.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Chayama-enchi
0.2 km
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Todai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate)
0.3 km
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Manyo Botanical Gardens
0.3 km
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Tamukeyama Hachimangu
0.4 km
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Todai-ji Museum
0.4 km
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Todai-ji Hokkedo (Sangatsudo, March Hall)
0.4 km
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Nekodan (Cat Stairway)
0.5 km
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Nara National Museum
0.5 km
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Todai-ji Nigatsu-do
0.5 km
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Kasuga Taisha Kokuhoden (Museum)
0.5 km
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Tōdai-ji
0.5 km
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Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
0.5 km
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Kataoka Bairin
0.6 km
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Yoshikien Garden
0.6 km
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Kasuga Taisha
0.6 km
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Essential places to dine
La Terrasse
0.3 km
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Kotoya
0.3 km
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Shiroganeya
0.3 km
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Yokyoan Honten
0.3 km
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Miyama
0.3 km
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Rokumeien
0.4 km
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Satei Yusui
0.4 km
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Mizuya Chaya
0.4 km
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Izasa-Nakatani-hompo Yumekaze-hiroba
0.4 km
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Happy Kitchen Kin-no-shika
0.4 km
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Todaiji Emado Chaya
0.4 km
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Restaurant Naraya Todaiji
0.4 km
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Le Case
0.5 km
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Kamameshi Shizuka Kouen-ten志津香
0.6 km
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Monsieur Pépé
0.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Imanishi-kyorindo
0.3 km
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Nara-miyage hyakka-shoten
0.3 km
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Yumekaze Plaza
0.4 km
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Museum Shop, Nara National Museum
0.5 km
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NARA MEIHINKAN
0.8 km
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Risky
1.2 km
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Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten - Nara Flagship Store
1.3 km
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Nara Higashimuki Shopping Street
1.3 km
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Higashimuki Shopping Street
1.3 km
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Sanrakudo Higashimuki
1.3 km
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Spark
1.4 km
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Mochiido Center Town
1.4 km
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【Souvenirs】GOTO-CHI Nara
1.4 km
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Ezuya
1.4 km
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Time's Place Nara
1.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
ザ・バー
1.2 km
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M's Bar
1.3 km
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バー フィディック
1.3 km
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blue note Naramachi
1.3 km
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SK Music At Brazilian Bar
1.3 km
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Amberjack
1.4 km
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ダルウィニー
1.4 km
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Salon des vins Sève
1.4 km
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Savant
1.4 km
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Music Bar Reciaffe
1.4 km
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Light
1.5 km
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shisha&bar vanguard
1.5 km
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LAMP BAR
1.5 km
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AUTHENTIC TABLE TAVERN
1.8 km
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Woo Koo Bar?
2.0 km
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