Nara Park: reviews, price and practical tips

+14
recos
5/5 4 reviews
469 Zoshicho, 630-8211 Nara, Japan
469 Zoshicho, 630-8211 Nara, Japan
Guided tours from 8,000 JPY (~$55)*
Booking recommended
Book now
Parc de Nara

Visiting Nara Park, a natural and cultural space in the heart of the city

Located in the center of Nara, Nara Park is a vast green expanse that houses historic temples and iconic wildlife. With paths lined by maples and cherry trees, it serves as a pleasant walk between cultural sites and nature.

The shika deer, symbols of the park

The park is known for its shika deer, considered messengers of the gods according to Shinto tradition. They roam freely and interact with visitors. Vendors offer shika senbei, crackers specifically designed for feeding them. Some deer bow to ask for food, a behavior that often amuses tourists.

Temples and shrines

Several significant religious sites are located within the park. The Tōdai-ji temple houses a massive bronze Buddha standing 15 meters tall, one of the largest in Japan. The Kasuga-taisha shrine, famous for its stone and bronze lanterns, is tucked away in a dense forest. As you wander the trails, you will discover other, more quiet temples that are sometimes less crowded.

Walks and viewpoints

The wide paths of the park allow for pleasant strolls, particularly around the Sarusawa Pond, which reflects the surrounding landscape. The trails leading to the hill of Mount Wakakusa offer a panorama of the city. In the spring, the cherry blossoms turn the park into a spot particularly enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

Guided tours from 8,000 JPY (~$55)*Booking recommended
Check availability

Opening hours

- Nara Park is open 24 hours a day, with no entry restrictions. - The temples and shrines within the park have varying hours, generally from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Nara Park

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Summary of 4 reviews
5/5
Average rating
+14
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
5
With friends
5

Avygeo ranking

#364
in the world
#21
in Asia
#18
in Japan
#1
in Nara

Loved Nara

One of my favorite spots in Japan! Even before arriving at the park, you already run into deer in the streets, which immediately sets the mood. The park is huge, ideal for long walks in a really soothing natural setting. Feeding the deer was definitely my favorite moment. You can also find a row of little souvenir shops and food stalls, perfect for taking a break and recharging your batteries.
I recommend it without hesitation to nature lovers and curious travelers alike!

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Between shrines and little deer

A must-see in my opinion if you are passing through Kyoto or Osaka! Certainly very touristy, but the park is open around the clock, so do not hesitate to go early in the morning. The deer are very used to humans and will know how to make themselves heard for a little treat (low calorie, of course). Beyond the animals, the park and the shrines are truly magnificent and authentic, and you can spend an entire day there without walking through the same spot twice!

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A magical encounter

This park was one of the first sites I visited in Japan and I have such great memories of it. It is within walking distance from the Nara train station. The atmosphere is delightfully peaceful when everything is waking up. The deer walk among the visitors, feeling perfectly at ease. You can buy treats for them, but it is entirely possible to watch them without doing so. Make sure to visit the temples and the Ukimido pavilion.

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Nara Park, a must for relaxing despite the tourists

Nara Park is calm despite the tourists because it is very large. It is mostly famous for its free-roaming deer, which are very greedy and docile. It is really funny and soothing. I was very pleasantly surprised by this park, perhaps calmer during my visit since a huge thunderstorm broke out. Accessible in 5 minutes on foot from the station, and therefore the city center, you can spend several hours in this park in the company of very, very friendly deer (well, shika) :) Ideal for kids

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