Nara Park and the Deer in Nara

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Nara Park is a wide green area on the east side of the city. More than a thousand wild sika deer live here and walk freely among visitors. They are protected by law as a natural monument. The deer are used to people and some will bow for food. They are still wild animals, so it helps to know a few simple rules. This guide explains how to feed them, how to stay safe and when to visit.

The deer and the park

Nara Park covers about 500 hectares of lawns, woods, ponds and hills. It starts about five minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station and runs east to the forested hills. The deer live across the whole park. A count in 2025 found about 1,465 deer, more than in past years. In the early morning they rest on the grass, and in the day they gather where visitors buy crackers. The deer are wild, not pets. Local groups and the city care for injured animals and watch the herd. Please keep the park clean, because deer may eat paper and plastic.

Deer crackers

Special deer crackers, called shika senbei, are sold at small stands in the park. They are made for deer and are safe for them. Do not give the deer any other food, such as bread, sweets or fruit, because it can make them sick. When you hold up a cracker, some deer bow their heads. You can bow back. Give crackers quickly, one at a time, and do not tease the deer by holding food out of reach. When you are finished, show your empty hands. Deer often learn that this means no more food. Hide the cracker bag, since deer can smell it and follow you.

Staying safe

Each year some visitors get bitten, pushed or kicked, often while holding crackers. Keep crackers out of sight until you are ready to feed. If a group of deer pushes you, drop the crackers or walk away calmly. Do not run. Watch small children closely, as a deer can knock them over. Deer may bite bags, maps and clothes, so hold them close. In autumn, from about September to November, the males are in mating season and can be aggressive. Their antlers are cut in October. In early summer, mothers with young fawns protect them, so keep a good distance from any fawn.

Quiet corners of the park

The busiest part of the park is the road from Kintetsu Nara Station to Todai-ji. Walk a little farther and it gets quiet. The Ukimido pavilion on Sagi-ike pond is a good photo spot, with a wooden hall on the water. The lawns at the foot of Mount Wakakusa are wide and open, with deer resting on the grass. Isuien and Yoshikien are traditional gardens near the park, with ponds and moss. In spring the park has cherry trees, and in November the maples turn red. Early morning, before about 9 am, is the calmest time to walk among the deer.

Planning your visit

The park is open all day, every day, and entry is free. The deer crackers are cheap, and some gardens and halls in the park charge small fees. Wear comfortable shoes, because the park is large and many paths are gravel. There are public toilets and benches, but shade is limited on the lawns, so bring water and a hat in summer. In rain, the deer often rest under trees and roofs. A short visit takes about an hour. A full walk around the park, with Todai-ji and Naramachi, takes most of a day.

Nara Park and the Deer at a glance

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