Deer Park — Attraction in Nara

Deer park was a really nice day out - the whole park is huge overall! I'd recommend if you are buying crackers to feed the deer that you put them straight into your bag so the deer can't see, they congregate around the sellers in large groups. It's then difficult to feed as they'll come over in a group and will nip at you (it's not sore) for the crackers. Instead find a quiet area with one lone deer and you'll have a much better experience. To show the deer you don't have any crackers left (or aren't giving them out) hold up both your hands, palms out and they'll leave you alone. Some of the money from the crackers goes back into looking after the park and deer. Crackers cost 200yen for a pack of about 6, cash only. Make sure to take plenty of cash as a lot of the shops were also cash only, we were running short by the ends of the day and couldn't find a cash machine. The main street is very busy but there are quieter areas off to the side, although people watching, especially when feeding the deer can be entertaining. The deer are literally everywhere, so you don't need to hang around near the first...

Great Experience – But Avoid in the Summer

Nara Deer Park and the temple grounds are absolutely worth visiting, but be warned: there is a lot of walking. I’ll say it again—a lot of walking. The area is beautiful and the temple itself is impressive, with historical information provided as you explore. The Great Buddha is one of the largest I’ve ever seen. Truly awe-inspiring.

As for the deer, they’re fun and mostly calm… until you bring out the food. Then it’s game on. What starts as feeding one cute deer can quickly turn into being surrounded by a gang of hungry, pushy ones. They might nibble on your clothes or chase you, so stay cool and show you have no more food. That said, some are calm enough to pet, and yes, they do bow!

It’s an incredible experience for families, but be mindful: young children might get overwhelmed by the deer or worn out from the walking, especially in the summer heat. Still, this is a must-see stop for any trip to Nara. Plan...

A vast and natural park, perfect for disconnecting. Nara’s Deer Park is much more than just the entrance area full of nervous tourists and deer with a seagull complex. It’s a wide, green, and very pleasant setting for walking, breathing, and enjoying at your own pace.

Most visitors stay near the beginning, where the deer are a bit more intense (yes, biting included), because… well, many have never seen an animal outside of YouTube. But if you walk a little further into the park, the atmosphere completely changes.

There you’ll find calm, relaxed, and much friendlier deer, who accept crackers with a level of elegance some humans could only dream of. There are ladies selling the classic deer crackers in several spots — buy a pack, walk a few minutes, and offer them peacefully to these lovely animals, without pushing or biting.

A place to stroll, connect with nature, and enjoy the experience as it...