Nara Park (Nara Koen)

The Basics

Most visitors come to Nara Park to see and feed the resident deer, but there are enough other attractions to keep you occupied for several hours. Don't miss the UNESCO-listed Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building, which houses one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues. You can also visit the Nara National Museum, home to an extensive collection of Buddhist statues, relics, and artifacts.

Nara is a popular day trip from Osaka and Kyoto. Every sightseeing tour, whether half-day or full-day, will include a stop at Nara Park. Full-day tours usually also include nearby attractions such as Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasuga Grand Shrine.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Nara Park is free to enter, though many of the attractions charge for admission.

• If you want to feed the deer, you must purchase special crackers, which are available from vendors throughout the park. You may not feed the deer anything else, and you can not leave any trash in the park.

• The deer are usually very tame, but they can sometimes become aggressive if food is around.

How to Get There

Nara Park is located about a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and about a 20-minute walk from the JR Nara Station. Several buses stop at the park, including the number 2 Nara City Loop Line bus and the number 70 and number 97 city buses. Nara City is a 35–45-minute train ride from Osaka and a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto.

When to Get There

Nara Park is open 24 hours a day. Different attractions inside the park have different and opening hours. Nara Park is at its most scenic in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in the fall, when the leaves change.

Nara Museums

Nara is home to a wide variety of museums. After visiting the Nara National Museum, take some time to stop by the Kofukuji National Treasure Museum, the Nara Palace Site Museum, the Nara Craft Museum, the Naramachi Museum, the Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum, or the Irie Taikichi Memorial Museum of Photography.

What is Nara Park (Nara Koen) known for?

Nara Park (Nara Koen) is known for being home to over 1,000 wild sika deer. These deer roam freely around the park, which spans around 1,204 acres (502 hectares). The park is also home to important temples and cultural sights, such as Todai-ji Temple, Nara National Museum, and Kasuga-taisha shrine.

How can I get to Nara Park from Kyoto?

The best way to get from Kyoto to Nara Park is by train. Board the JR Nara Line from Kyoto station to Nara station (about 45 minutes), then walk 20 minutes to the park. Alternatively, take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu Nara station, which is about a 35-minute journey, then walk for 6 minutes to reach the park.

How can I get to Nara Park from Osaka?

To get to Nara Park from Osaka, you can take the JR Yamatoji Line to Nara station, starting from either Osaka station or Tennoji station; the journey takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can board the Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu Nara station, then walk for about 6 minutes to reach the park.

What is the best time of year to visit Nara Park?

The best time of year to visit Nara Park is during the spring—ideally April or May—to coincide with cherry blossom season. Fall is also a lovely time as the park is adorned with beautiful shades of red and orange foliage. During both times, the weather is mild and pleasant.

Can you feed the deer at Nara Park?

Yes, you can feed the deer at Nara Park, however, you should only give them special crackers sold by vendors in the park. These crackers are called shika senbei and are made especially for the deer. The deer are used to being fed and frequently approach visitors.

What historical sites can be found in Nara Park?

Historical sites in Nara Park include Todai-ji Temple, renowned for its giant Buddha statue and its towering Nandaimon gate. Additionally, Kasugataisha Shrine offers a great photo opportunity, and Kofukuji National Treasure Hall displays a collection of Buddhist carvings. These sites all showcase Nara's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Ways to explore

Most visitors come to Nara Park to see and feed the resident deer, but there are enough other attractions to keep you occupied for several hours. In addition to ticking off its UNESCO-listed Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, you can also visit the Nara National Museum, home to an extensive collection of Buddhist statues, relics, and artifacts.

Nara is a popular day trip from Osaka and Kyoto. Every sightseeing tour, whether half-day or full-day, will include a stop at Nara Park and might also include nearby attractions such as Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasuga Grand Shrine.

Accessibility

The park and many of the temples inside it are fully wheelchair accessible, thanks to wide paved paths and ramp access.

Age limits

Make sure young children are supervised, as the deer can sometimes nip you, especially if you have crackers.

What to pack

Buy some shika senbei (deer crackers) from one of the many vendors outside the park.

What to wear

Wear dark clothing to avoid stains from the deer.

Not allowed

Leaving litter—there are no trash cans inside the park to protect the deer, so take all refuse back with you.

Amenities

Restrooms, benches, stalls outside the park

Address 

Nara City is a 35–45-minute train ride from Osaka and a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto; many guided day trips include round-trip transfers for convenience.

Driving

Take the Daini-Hanna Expressway from Osaka. Exit at Horai IC and follow signs for central Nara.

Public transportation

Nara Park is a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and a 20-minute walk from the JR Nara Station. Several buses stop at the park, including the number 2 Nara City Loop Line bus and buses 70 and 97.

Best times to visit

Nara Park is open 24 hours a day, so arrive in the early morning to explore without the crowds and in the atmospheric morning mist.

Best days to visit

Visit the park on a weekday to avoid the day-trip crowds.

Best months to visit

Nara Park is at its most scenic in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in the fall, when the leaves change.

Special events

In October, you can witness the traditional Deer Antler-Cutting Ceremony at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.