Visiting Nara Park: Feed Friendly Deer in Japan

Japan is a beautiful country with many amazing places to visit. One of the most popular places is Nara Park, where you can see and feed friendly deer. This park is a special place in Japan because of its natural beauty and the amazing deer that live there. If you love animals and nature, Nara Park is the perfect place for you.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about visiting Nara Park, including how to feed the deer, the best time to visit, and other interesting things to see.

What is Nara Park?

Nara Park is a large public park in Nara City, Japan. It is home to over 1,000 wild deer that roam freely in the park. The park was established in 1880, making it one of the oldest parks in Japan. The deer in Nara Park are considered sacred animals in Japanese culture. They are protected by law, and people treat them with great respect.

These deer are very special because they are friendly and sociable. Unlike other wild animals, they are accustomed to humans and love to interact with visitors. You can touch them, take pictures with them, and even feed them special deer crackers!

Where is Nara Park Located?

Nara Park is located in Nara Prefecture, which is in the Kansai region of Japan. It is close to famous cities like Kyoto and Osaka, making it a popular day trip destination for tourists. You can easily reach Nara Park by train from Osaka or Kyoto in less than an hour.

How to Get to Nara Park?

Getting to Nara Park is easy. Here are some simple ways to reach the park:

From Kyoto: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara Station (about 45 minutes).

From Osaka: Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station (about 40 minutes).

Walking from Nara Station: Once you arrive at Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, you can walk to Nara Park in about 15 minutes.

By bus: If you don’t want to walk, you can take a city bus from the station to Nara Park.

Feeding the Friendly Deer

One of the most fun activities in Nara Park is feeding the deer. You can’t feed them any regular food, but there are special crackers called “shika Senbi” that you can buy at the park. These crackers are made just for deer and are safe for them to eat.

How to Feed the Deer?

1. Buy deer crackers: You can find deer crackers at small stalls inside the park. They cost around 200 yen per pack.
2. Offer the cracker: Hold the cracker in your hand and let the deer come to you.
3. Bow to the deer: The deer in Nara Park have learned to bow! If you bow to them, many will bow before you take the cracker.
4. Feed them gently: Let them eat the cracker from your hand, but be careful – some deer can be very excited!
5. Don’t tease the deer: Never hold the cracker too high or pretend to eat it if you don’t want to. This can upset the deer.

The deer in Nara Park are very smart and kind, but they can become playful or impatient if they are hungry. Some might try to nudge you, so be ready!

Best Time to Visit Nara Park

Nara Park is open all year, but the best time to visit depends on the kind of experience you want.

Spring (March – May): Beautiful cherry blossoms bloom, making the park look magical.

Summer (June – August): The weather is warm, and the park is full of green trees.

Autumn (September – November): The leaves turn red, orange, and yellow, making the park very colorful.

Winter (December – February): If you go in winter, you can see the park covered in snow, which is very beautiful.

The best time of day to visit is early morning or late afternoon. During these times, there are fewer tourists, and the deer are more active.

Other Attractions in Nara Park

Nara Park is not just about deer. There are many other interesting places to visit inside and near the park.

1. Todai-ji Temple

This is one of the most famous temples in Japan. It is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a huge bronze statue of Buddha. The temple is very old and beautiful.

2. Kasuga Teisha Shrine

This is a famous Shinto shrine with thousands of stone lanterns. It is a peaceful place to visit and take pictures.

3. Nara National Museum

If you love history, you can visit this museum to learn about Japanese art and culture.

4. Kofuku-ji Temple

This temple has a beautiful five-story pagoda and is one of the oldest temples in Japan.

Rules and Etiquette in Nara Park

Since Nara Park is a special place, it is important to follow some important rules:

Don’t feed the deer other food: only give them Shika Senbi crackers.

Be gentle: Deer are friendly, but they are still wild animals. Be kind and don’t hurt them.

Don’t litter: Keep the park clean by throwing trash in the right place.

Be careful with your belongings: Some deer may try to take your bag or paper if they think it is food.

Following these rules will help keep the park beautiful and safe for everyone.

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Why You Should Visit Nara Park

Nara Park is a magical place where you can experience nature and history together. The friendly deer make it a unique and fun destination for visitors of all ages. Here are some reasons why you should visit:

1. Deer encounter and feeding: It is a rare experience to interact with wild deer so closely.
2. Enjoy the beautiful scenery: The park is full of nature, trees, and flowers.
3. Explore historic temples and shrines: You can learn about Japanese history and culture.
4. Take amazing photos: The deer, temples, and scenery make for great photos.
5. Relax in a peaceful place: A walk around the park is a great way to enjoy the calm and peaceful environment.

Conclusion:

A visit to Nara Park is a wonderful experience that you will never forget. It is a place full of history, nature, and friendly deer. Whether you go deer feeding, visit the temples, or just enjoy the beautiful park, you will have an amazing time.

If you ever visit Japan, be sure to add Nara Park to your travel list. It is a place where you can make special memories and experience the beauty of Japanese culture.

So, are you ready to meet the friendly deer of Nara Park? Pack your bags, grab some deer crackers, and enjoy your visit!