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. COOLJAPANVIDEOS 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.

Introducing the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, a Beautiful Garden in the Ancient Capital of Nara! This video, titled "[4K] Japanese Garden DAIJO-IN NARA" ([4K] 日本庭園　旧大乗院庭園 / 奈良　Japanese Garden DAIJO-IN NARA), was uploaded by "Yurara Sarara," a channel focused on Japanese culture. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located next to Nara Hotel and has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the government of Japan. Enjoy the beauty of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, which was praised as one of the most beautiful gardens in the southern capital, in this 2.5 minute-long, 4K video. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden - Learn the History of the Beautiful Garden! Photo：The Former Daijoin Temple Garden, Nara City, Nara Prefecture Located in the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, Daijoin is a temple with a long history, founded in 1087, the first year of Kanji, and flourished from the Heian period (794-1185 AD) to the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). It was famous as one of the sub-temples of Kofukuji Temple, but it was destroyed by fire in the Siege of Nara by the Taira clan in 1180, and moved to its present location. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden was devastated by a peasant uprising in the Muromachi Period (1336-1573 AD), but was remodeled by Zen'ami, a gardener famous for creating the garden of Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion). The temple was abandoned due to the abolition of Buddhism in the early Meiji period (1868-1912), but Nara Hotel was built on the site, and now it has become a tourist known as "The Former Daijoin Temple Garden." Highlights of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden! Photo：The Former Daijoin Temple Garden in autumn, Nara City, Nara Prefecture The Former Daijoin Temple Garden is a garden featuring a path around a pond, with small east and west ponds at its center. In addition to the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, there are other gardens of in this style, including the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto and Kenroku-en in Kanazawa. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, from the deep green of spring to the changing leaves of autumn, but it's even more beautiful when visiting during seasonal events. In September, the Former Daijoin Temple Garden is open to the public at night for the "Full Moon Festival" (観月の夕べ). Visitors can enjoy a collaboration of the mid-autumn moon and the beauty of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden. At the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, there is a historical museum that displays a model of the original Daijoin Temple, as well as the Daijoin Garden Cultural Hall, which has meeting rooms and a tea ceremony room for various events. In addition, the earthen wall outside the building incorporates the design of of ancient structures, allowing visitors to enjoy the culture of not only the garden, but also the exterior of the building. Access to the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, a Tourist Attraction in Nara Prefecture To get to the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, take an 8-minute bus bound for Tenri or Shimoyama from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, get off at the "Nara Hotel" bus stop, and walk for 1 minute, or get off at the "Fukuchiin" (福智院町) bus stop, and walk for 1 minute. If you're visiting via car, be sure to use the nearby "Naramachi Center" parking lot. Summary of the Famous Former Daijoin Temple Garden in Nara, Japan Photo：Nara Hotel At the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, visitors can enjoy strolling through the garden while viewing the autumn leaves and the mid-autumn moon in autumn, as well as cherry blossoms in spring. Located in the ancient capital of Nara, the Former Daijoin Temple Garden is located next to Nara Hotel, which has a history of more than 100 years, so we definitely recommend staying there as an overnight when sightseeing in Nara. Come and see the beauty of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden with your own eyes! 【Official Website】The Former Daijoin Temple Garden, a Place of Scenic Beauty https://www.narahotel.co.jp/eng/ 【TripAdvisor】The Former Daijoin Temple Garden https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d2049192-Reviews-Meisho_Daijoin_Garden-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Japan's Owl Cafes! This video is titled "The First Owl Café in Nara- 'Watawata'" (奈良で初めてのフクロウカフェ【わたわた】). It introduces the owl café in Nara, called "Watawata." There aren’t many chances where you can interact with owls, but at Japan's owl cafes you can enjoy seeing owls up close and even petting them! Many tourists from overseas come to Japan's cat cafes, but if you're looking for a more unique experience we definitely recommend checking out an owl cafe! How Owl Cafes Work Source :YouTube screenshot Owl cafes are places where there are cute owls, such as horned owls and more. Customers can play with owls while eating and drinking, and you can even feed the owls as well! As you can see from 0:49 in the video, there are cafes where you can put the owls on your shoulder and play with them too. You can also take photos with the owls and post them on social media sites. You can see this at 0:51 in the video. About Owls Photo：Owl Owls are nocturnal birds of prey, belonging to the order Strigiformes. They are called "the professors of the forest" and "philosophers of the forest." Their size ranges from 50 to 62 centimeters in length and they weigh anywhere from 500 to 1,300 grams. Five species of owls exist in Japan: the Yezo Ural Owl, Tohoku Owl, Ural Owl, Moniyamae, and Kyushu Owl. The hooting of owls can sometimes be heard as far as several kilometers away. Summary of Japan's Owl Cafes Source :YouTube screenshot If you're looking to rid yourself of stress and enjoy time with an animal you wouldn't normally get to be up close to, be sure to visit one of the many owl cafes in Japan! If you like cute animals, you can also try visiting a parrot or hedgehog cafe as well! 【Tripadvisor】Wata Wata Owl Cafe https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d9856696-Reviews-Wata_Wata_Owl_Cafe-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html