Nara Park
Nara, Nara, Japan
Nara Park spreads across 502 hectares at the foot of Mount Wakakusa in the city of Nara, one of Japan's oldest parks, established in 1880. Walking…
What it's like here
Nara Park spreads across 502 hectares at the foot of Mount Wakakusa in the city of Nara, one of Japan's oldest parks, established in 1880. Walking through its landscape, you move between open grassland and forest, encountering over 1,200 wild sika deer that roam freely—sacred animals in local tradition, said to be messengers of a Shinto deity. The park is far more than a nature reserve: it encompasses multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji temples and Kasuga Grand Shrine, along with 47 buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The vegetation shifts seasonally with cherry blossoms, maples, pines, and Japanese cedar, creating a landscape that has inspired reverence for over 1,400 years. Whether you come for a morning walk among the deer, an afternoon exploring the temple grounds, or an evening at sunset, the park offers a rare convergence of nature, history, and culture—all freely accessible to explore at your own pace or with a guide.
Highlights
- Over 1,200 wild sika deer roaming freely throughout the park, which you can feed with specially sold deer-crackers
- Multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the park grounds, including Tōdai-ji temple, Kōfuku-ji temple, and Kasuga Grand Shrine
- 47 buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, plus 374 artworks and religious objects of national significance
- Accessible trails and facilities making the 502-hectare park navigable for all mobility levels
- Forests of pine, cherry blossom, maple, and Japanese cedar, with seasonal changes throughout the year
Good to know
The park is open 24 hours and has free entry. Facilities include parking, accessible toilets, cafés, picnic areas, and Wi-Fi. Guided tours and audio guides are available. The deer are wild animals; the park has posted signs in multiple languages asking visitors not to tease them, and injuries have occurred when visitors feed them. Wheelchair accessibility includes step-free access, accessible parking, and accessible trails.
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Questions people ask
Can I feed the deer in Nara Park?
Yes, you can purchase deer-crackers (shika-senbei) sold exclusively by the WNOW company to feed the deer. However, the park asks visitors not to tease the animals, as they are wild and injuries have occurred during feeding.
Is Nara Park free to enter?
Yes, entry to Nara Park is completely free.
What temples and shrines are located in Nara Park?
The park grounds include Tōdai-ji temple, Kōfuku-ji temple, and Kasuga Grand Shrine, all designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the title Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.
Is the park accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility challenges?
Yes, the park features wheelchair accessibility, step-free access, accessible parking, accessible toilets, and accessible trails.
How long should I plan to spend in Nara Park?
The park can be explored in a half day or a full day depending on whether you focus on walking and viewing the deer or also visit the temples, shrines, and museum grounds within the 660-hectare area.
Attributes & facilities
Facilities
Experience
Accessibility
Last verified: August 21, 2026