This is probably the best-known area to see deer in Japan. The park includes Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Nara National Museum.
In the Nara period (710- 794), at the founding of the Kasuga Taisha in 768, the kami Takemikazuchi was asked to visit the new temple coming from Kashima-Jingu, which he did on the back of a white deer. He then became one of four kami of Kasuga Taisha, and deer became full-fledged residents of Nara Park. They are considered national treasures to this day!
1,300 deer live in this park and are very friendly. Special crackers for the deer (made with rice bran and flour) are sold all over the park, so please do not give anything else to the deer to eat!
Every October a traditional event takes place: the of cutting of the large antlers of male deer during the mating season, in order to avoid potential problems with each other and visitors. It’s an impressive ceremony that is fascinating to watch.
Access: From Kintetsu Nara Station it’s a 5-minute walk, or from JR Nara Station it’s a 20-minute walk.
