Park & nature

Nara Park

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Nara Park is a large, scenic public park in central Nara, covering over 500 hectares. It is famous for its hundreds of free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto. Visitors can feed them special deer crackers sold at stalls. The park also encompasses several major UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Tōdai-ji, Kasuga-taisha, and Kōfuku-ji, as well as the Nara National Museum. Strolling through the park offers a mix of nature, history, and wildlife, with ponds, gardens, and ancient trees.

Don't miss

  • Feed the friendly, bowing deer with special shika senbei crackers.
  • Walk to the iconic five-story pagoda of Kōfuku-ji within the park.
  • Visit the tranquil Isui-en Garden, a Japanese landscape garden on the park's edge.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Nara Park

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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