Nara Park: What You Must Know Before You Go

As one of Japan's oldest and most famous parks, Nara Park is not only home to deer and ancient relics, but also a magical place where tradition and modernity converge.

In this post, we'll guide you through the charm of Nara Park, revealing the best times to visit, optimal routes to explore, must-see attractions nearby, handpicked hotels, and recommended dining spots, making your journey to Nara filled with joy and surprises.

Just scroll down to learn more.

Overview of Nara Park

Founded in 1880 and located in the heart of Nara City, Nara Park is one of Japan's oldest parks.

However, its roots can be traced back to the early 8th century, as the surrounding attractions bear deep connections to the politics, culture, and religion of the Nara period (710-794). The renowned Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine were constructed during this period.

Today, Nara Park spans 660 hectares. It is not only a great place to relax but also a must-visit spot for tourists traveling between Osaka and Kyoto, as it is only about a 45-minute train ride from either city.

But what truly sets Nara Park apart is its over 1,200 freely roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in Shintoism, these deer have become symbols of harmony between humans and nature in the city. If you happen to have deer crackers in hand, don't be surprised they will approach you for a delightful treat.

What to See in Nara Park and Around

Nara Park's officially defined area is approximately 502 hectares. The reason it is said to be 660 hectares is because it includes surrounding attractions such as Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Nara National Museum. They are also the main sites for you to Nara Park.

Here is the breakdown.

Nara Deer Park

Nara Park covers a portion of Kasuga Grand Shrine, which is said to be the home of a god who arrived in Nara riding a white deer. Since then, deer have been considered sacred animals to care for over the years, and protected as natural monuments. This is also why Nara Park boasts a large population of deer, making it exceptional among diverse theme parks in Japan.

All the deer in Nara Park are wild and can be freely observed. The deer also have learned to bow as a trick for food. Interestingly, they are especially fond of deer crackers or shika senbei. When a deer wants food, it will bow its head to you. Simply hold the deer crackers and bow gently to the deer, signaling friendliness. Then you can give the deer crackers to the deer. More often than not, once you've fed one to the deer they'll bow back in response.

Indeed, this is a joyful activity that can enhance the bond between you and the deer. Furthermore, it is an open park and there is no Nara deer park entrance fee, you can stay there all day. For deer crackers or shika senbei, you can buy these for 200 yen or so in the park and feed them to the deer. However, please note the following precautions to avoid disturbing the deer or getting injured.

• Do not feed the deer anything other than the special crackers;
• Don't give deer any trash that can kill them;
• Do not make noises or sudden movements that could startle the deer;
• Simply stand still and wait for deer to move on if one approaches you;
• Stay away from fawns to prevent their mothers from attacking you or abandoning them.

Explore More if Traveling Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka Together:

• 12-Day Classic Japan Tour to Enjoy Timeless Traditions and Cultural Heritage
• 2-Week Japan Private Group Vacation with Tailor-made Tour Plan

Todaiji Temple

Built in 752, Todaiji Temple is a landmark in Nara and the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan.

Here, you can pray, immerse yourself in buddhism culture, and marvel at the Big Buddha (Daibutsu), which was created with the efforts of 2.6 million people.

The Todaiji Temple main hall, Daibutsuden, is also worth capturing, as it remains the world's largest wooden structure despite being rebuilt twice after fires.

Beyond that, it is recommended to visit Nigatsu-do Hall, located on the hill east of Daibutsuden. The path leading there is scenic, and once you arrive, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nara. It is especially comfortable when the night falls and the lights are on.

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Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha Shrine, established in 768, is one of Japan's holiest sites. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it exudes a timeless charm.

The vermilion-lacquered buildings stand out against the backdrop of natural cypress roofs and pristine white walls. The shrine also offers glimpses of nature, with over 200 varieties of plants in its Manyo Botanical Garden.

Wisteria in full bloom during April and May is especially loved.

Another notable feature of Kasuga Taisha is its thousands of stone lanterns. Neatly lining the paths leading to the main hall, they create a serene ambiance.

Don't miss the chance to visit the shrine during the two annual Lantern Festivals held in February and August. During the two Nara Park events, thousands of bronze lanterns illuminate the pathways with a captivating sight.

Kofukuji Temple

Explore Nara's rich history at Kofukuji Temple, a sprawling complex dating back to 669!

It was originally owned by the Fujiwara clan and consists of over 150 buildings. The most famous among them is the five-story pagoda, standing at an impressive height of 50.1 meters, the second tallest in Japan. Its intricate design not only showcases the skill of Japanese craftsmen but also reflects the rise and fall of Nara over the centuries.

Yet, Kofuku-ji Temple offers more than just postcard-perfect scenery. The Kofuku-ji National Treasure Museum houses an array of precious artifacts and treasures. The Eastern Golden Hall enshrines the three-faced, six-armed Ashura, one of the most Buddhist sculptures in Japan. They promise an unforgettable journey deep into Japanese culture.

Nara National Museum

Nara National Museum, located within Nara Park, is one of only four national museums in Japan.

Its Western-style architecture is a striking sight, visible from afar.

Despite its Western exterior, the museum serves as an exceptional gateway to understanding Japanese history and Buddhist art.

The museum houses 13 national treasures and 114 important cultural properties, with a collection exceeding 1,900 items.

In addition to indigenous Japanese Buddhist statues dating back to the mid-6th century, there are also treasures from China and the Korean Peninsula.

Whether you approach it from a historical, artistic, or religious perspective, the Nara National Museum is a must-visit destination.

How to Get to Nara Park

JR (Japan Railways) and Kintetsu Railway connect Nara to Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Compared to the former, Kintetsu is often recommended because it offers shorter travel times and is closer to attractions like Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Below are the specific routes for each:

• Osaka to Nara: Take the direct Kintetsu train to Nara Station from Osaka Namba Station in 30 to 40 minutes for 570 yen (≈ $3.7);
• Kyoto to Nara: Travel by Kintetsu train to Nara Station from Kyoto Station. The fastest journey takes 35 minutes, and the fare is 1,160 yen (≈ $7.5);
• Tokyo to Nara: There are no direct trains from Tokyo to Nara. Therefore, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto first and then transfer to the Kintetsu line for direct access to Nara Station. The route takes less than 3 hours and costs approximately 14,610 yen (≈ $95).

Best Time to Visit Nara Park

The best times to go to Nara Park are spring (March/April/May) and autumn (September/October/November).

This is because summer in Nara is a rainy season with high temperatures, and winter is cold with snow, making travel inconvenient.

In contrast, spring is warm and full of flowers, perfect for a cherry blossom trip. Autumn comes with cool weather, ideal for long walks around the city and viewing the vibrant fall foliage.

If you're concerned about the best time of day to visit Nara Park, it depends on how many attractions you want to see and how long you plan to stay.

Generally, it's not recommended to go after 5 pm as many spots close around that time. It's best to start your visit as early as Nara Park opening time to avoid long lines and have more time to enjoy the park at a leisurely pace.

Comfortable Hotels Near Nara Park

Accommodation in Nara emphasizes tradition and comfort. Therefore, for a truly immersive experience, might as well consider a Japanese ryokan or inn near Nara Park.

Nara Ryokan and The Deer Park Inn are excellent options. They offer similar amenities as standard hotels but service and furnishing are more local and traditional. Also, such a choice includes the chance to enjoy genuine hot springs and delectable Japanese cuisine.

If you're not accustomed to tatami mats, mid-to-high-end hotels near Nara Park like Nara Hotel, SETRE Naramachi, and Fufu Nara are great alternatives. Their strengths lie in beautiful surroundings, attentive service, and multilingual support, ensuring you feel at ease and well cared for.

Best Restaurants Near Nara Park

For restaurants near Nara Park, two top recommendations are Awa Naramachi Shop and Pokupoku, both great for meat lovers.

Awa Naramachi Shop offers a delightful mix of vegetables and beef, while Pokupoku specializes in Japanese-style fried pork cutlets.

Moreover, no visit to Nara is complete without trying some traditional local snacks. Nakatanidou is highly recommended for this. It's a popular shop that handcrafts mochis from glutinous rice, red beans, soybean flour, and mugwort. Every day, many tourists line up to buy this soft and fresh sweet.

Plan Your Trip to Nara Park

This is all about the sights of Nara Park, as well as travel-related routes, timing, accommodation, and food. With these details, your plans for visiting Nara Park are sure to be clearer.

However, even if you still struggle to organize your trip, no more fret. Besides travel guides, we also offer help with custom travel services. Feel free to reach us to free yourself from the hassle of planning.