The Japan National Tourism Organisation reported 1.65 million tourists visited the Nara Prefecture in 2016 and if Nara Park alone is anything to go by it’s hardly surprising. On one of my recent trips to Japan, I only had three days in Kyoto and decided to spend one of those days visiting Nara. It’s also easily accessible from Osaka.

Nara Park

Established in 1880 Nara park is one of the oldest parks in Japan and is home to many tourist attractions such as Todaiji Temple, the Nara National Museum, Kasuga Taisha and Kofukuji Temple. One of the main drawcards of Nara Park is the famed Sika deer who roam free, and in Japanese folklore are deemed to be messengers from the Shinto gods. Tourists can purchase Shika Senbei, or deer crackers, from street vendors and feed the wild deer as they make their way around the park to visit the many temples and sights. For animal lovers this can be heaven, but beware the deer can be slightly aggressive, in other words Bambi be hangry! 

After the excitement of feeding the deer wears off there are many other things to do in Nara, see the below list for other ideas.

Todaiji temple

Todaiji temple is an impressive World Heritage Buddhist temple constructed in 752. Aside from the temple itself, there are multiple gardens and museums to visit. Here is where you will see the famous Daibutsu (Great Buddha), made of bronze and standing at an impressive 15 metres tall. 

Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha, or Kasuga Grand Shrine, is a Shinto Shrine built in 768. This shrine has both a free and a paid section so if you’re on a budget you can still take in some of its beauty. The Shrine is known for the hundreds of lanterns that have been donated by worshippers and it’s two Lantern festivals where they are lit in February and August. The Shrine houses a museum showcasing its treasures and is also a short walk away from the Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden.

Kofukuji Temple

Kofukuji Temple is so close to Nara park the deer roam free here in its grounds – which was a highlight for me. It is a Buddhist temple with the second largest pagoda in Japan and is home to many ancient statues displayed in the Kofukuji National Treasure Museum.

Nara National Museum

The Nara National Museum is located in Nara Park itself (AKA deer heaven) and is known for its collection of Buddhist artworks. The museum has two sections, the original and the new building which are connected via passage.

Top tips

• Some of these locations have entry fees and varying opening hours as well as being closed for special days of worship. It’s worth doing a quick google search to check the hours before you plan your day trip to Nara.
• The Nara National Museum has a very clean bathroom near the café. The restroom facilities in Nara park itself are very traditional if you catch my drift. I would encourage you to purchase a coffee if using the facilities out of respect – just don’t take it away, the deer will hunt you down for your liquid gold. 
• There’s a shopping strip on the way to/from the train station so there’s plenty of opportunities to buy deer paraphernalia or stop to grab a bite to eat.
• Try to feed some of the older slower deer, they may not bite you in anticipation like their hyped up, younger friends but they will appreciate it – you can see it in their soulful eyes…
• Let’s face it, you will want to spend the bulk of your time loading up on deer crackers and feeding the deer in Nara Park. This never gets old and after three trips to Nara Park, I would go back if I am lucky enough to visit Japan again.

How to get to Nara

Located 45 kilometres outside of Kyoto, or approximately a 45 minute train ride away from Kyoto station, it costs approximately 710 yen and is also conveniently covered by the Japan Rail Pass.