A Gathering of Deer in Nara Park, Nara City! The Fascinating Scene in Front of the Great Buddha Hall

Nara Park in Nara City, Nara Prefecture is a famous tourist destination where visitors can interact with freely roaming deer. Even for Nara, Ukigumo Garden is notable as a special place where tourists and deer coexist in harmony. Additionally, visitors near the Great Buddha Hall can often get a glimpse of deer using the intersection to cross the road! This article introduces the charm of these deer, etiquette to follow when visiting, and detailed access information.

What Is Nara Park in Nara City? A Town Where People and Deer Live Together

Photo: Nara Park in Nara Prefecture | A deer resting on the approach to Todai-ji Temple

Nara Park is a vast urban park spanning about 660 hectares in the heart of Nara City. Within the park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple, making it a precious area where cultural heritage and nature coexist. The approximately 1,300 free-roaming deer are one of its main attractions.

What Is Ukigumo Garden?

Photo: Ukigumo Garden in Nara Park, Nara Prefecture

One of the most popular spots within Nara Park is Ukigumo Garden. Located between Todai-ji Temple and Kofuku-ji Temple, this open space with wide lawns allows visitors to see deer wandering around freely, resting, or even frolicking about! Thanks to the picturesque scenery and the close proximity to the deer, it is a favorite destination for travelers.

History and Protection of the Deer

The deer in Nara have been revered for over 1,300 years as "divine messengers" of the deities of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. According to legend, Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, the enshrined deity of Kasuga Taisha, arrived in Nara riding a white deer. This belief has led to the long-standing protection of the deer by the people.

During the Edo period, harming a deer was punishable by death. Even today, the deer of Nara Park are designated as a Natural Monument of Japan. Although they are wild animals, they coexist with humans and are a cultural and historical symbol of Nara.

What Is the “Deer Cracker” Experience?

One of the most popular activities for visitors to Nara Park is feeding the deer with special "shika senbei" or deer crackers. These crackers, made from flour and rice bran, are additive-free and salt-free to ensure the deer’s health. They are sold in packs of 10 for 200 yen at park kiosks, temporary stalls, nearby convenience stores, and vending machines within the park.

Photo: Deer crackers in Nara Park, Nara Prefecture

Once you show the crackers, deer may approach you even from a distance. Some deer even bow their heads in anticipation of a treat, surprising and delighting many visitors. However, as a safety measure, it is recommended to feed them away from large groups to avoid being overwhelmed.

Proper Etiquette and Tourist Manners

Although the deer are used to people, they are still wild animals. Please follow these guidelines for a safe and enjoyable visit:

Photo: Deer being fed deer crackers in Nara Park, Nara Prefecture

* Do not startle the deer (no loud noises or flash photography)
* Approach slowly from the front, not from behind
* Never feed them anything other than deer crackers
* Be gentle and observe their reactions when petting (do not force contact)
* Children should always be accompanied by an adult
* Always take your trash with you (deer may accidentally eat it and become ill)
* Be careful with your belongings to avoid them being taken or eaten by deer
* Dogs are natural enemies of deer. Always keep them on a leash and away from the deer to prevent accidents

Deer Crossing at the Great Buddha Hall Intersection Draws Attention!

Around 10:20 in the video, you can see the dramatic scene of deer crossing the road at the intersection in front of the Great Buddha Hall. The sight of deer confidently using the pedestrian crosswalk often stops tourists in their tracks. This phenomenon is most common during tourist seasons or feeding times and is widely shared on social media as a unique and "very Japanese" scene.

What to Know Before Visiting Nara Park and Ukigumo Garden

How to Enjoy Your Time with the Deer

Recommended times are between 8:00–10:00 in the morning or after 4:00 in the evening. During these hours, there are fewer tourists, and the deer are more relaxed. The soft morning light creates ideal conditions for observing and photographing deer resting or interacting, including families with fawns.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) offer mild weather and the deer’s coats are at their most beautiful, making the scenery particularly photogenic. In autumn, the contrast between the red foliage and the deer is especially stunning, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Photogenic Spots for Social Media

* Photos with deer in front of Todai-ji Temple
* Deer lounging on the grass in Ukigumo Garden
* Shots capturing both the Five-Story Pagoda and the deer
These scenic compositions are especially popular among international visitors.

Access Information

・Approx. 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station
・Approx. 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station
・Nara Kotsu Bus: Get off at the "Todai-ji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha Mae" stop
Parking
Nara Park does not have its own parking lots.
Please use nearby paid parking lots operated by the prefecture or private coin-operated lots.
During peak seasons (spring, autumn, national holidays), it is recommended to park further away, such as near JR Nara Station, and use the "Gurutto Bus" sightseeing loop or regular Nara Kotsu buses.

Inquiries and Official Website

* Nara Park Office: 0742-22-0375
* Official Website: https://www3.pref.nara.jp/park

Conclusion: Enjoy a Special Moment with the Deer of Nara

The deer you encounter in Nara Park are more than just tourist attractions—they are symbols of the city’s rich history and culture. Upholding proper manners helps to ensure your interaction with the deer will become a truly memorable experience. The views at Ukigumo Garden and the Great Buddha Hall intersection are sure to become highlights of your trip.