Nara Deer Park
Nara deer park you can walk among the 1200 wild deer that freely roam around the park each day. Deer were considered messengers of the gods, they are now a national treasure.
Throughout the park, stalls sell deer crackers which you can feed to the deer, they will bow first to ask for food before you feed them. When there is no food left, show them your empty hands and wave bye bye!
This park is a fantastic place to visit and a unique experience where you can pat and feed the deer. The park is spread over 1200acres so there is lots of space for the kids to explore – perhaps not a picnic spot though, unless you want to share your meal with the deer! Please don’t feed the deer anything other than the specially made food and please make sure you take all your rubbish with you as sadly a number of deer have died from ingesting plastic bags at the park.
Location
The deer park is located in Nara city. Closest stations are JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara station.
Nara is about an hour and a half South of Kyoto or just over and hour East from Osaka. If you are staying in Kyoto or Osaka, then Nara is the perfect day trip.
Who would enjoy this…
All ages especially anyone who enjoys encounters with wild animals.
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While you are here check out…
Todai-ji temple is on the edge of the park grounds and the two together make the perfect day trip.