Nara Park

A Sacred Landscape

of History and Living Tradition

Established in 1880, Nara Park is one of Japan’s oldest public parks and remains a cherished symbol of harmony between nature, history, and spirituality. Spanning over 500 hectares in the heart of Nara City, this vast green space is home to over 1,000 freely roaming deer—considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition.

These sacred deer, once believed to be protectors of the ancient Kasuga Shrine, are so revered that harming one was historically punishable by death. Today, visitors can buy special “shika senbei” (deer crackers) to feed them—an unforgettable cultural experience unique to Nara.

Nara Park also encompasses some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, including Todai-ji Temple with its Great Buddha, Kofuku-ji Temple with its five-story pagoda, and the beautifully preserved Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The seamless blend of nature and spirituality offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience Japan’s ancient capital as it once was.

Whether you’re strolling beneath cherry blossoms in spring or taking in fiery foliage in autumn, Nara Park invites you to slow down, connect with history, and walk alongside living symbols of Japan’s sacred past.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Nara Park to life.

People walking and taking photos of deer in front of a historic, ornate building on a grassy lawn with trees and hills in the background.
A dirt path lined with trees leading to traditional Japanese buildings with wooden and tile roofs, surrounded by lush greenery.
A young deer standing on a dirt ground with tree roots, in a forested area near an old brick wall and trees with green leaves.
A wild deer standing in a forested area with large trees and traditional Japanese stone lanterns
A deer standing on moss-covered stone steps surrounded by stone lanterns in a lush forest.
Two people walking down a stone pathway lined with trees, approaching a traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof, partially obscured by greenery.
A traditional Japanese shrine entrance with a red torii gate, stone lanterns on each side, surrounded by trees in a wooded area.
Traditional Japanese shrine building surrounded by tall trees and mossy ground.
Interior view of a traditional Japanese shrine with wooden steps leading to a sacred space, adorned with hanging lanterns and decorative drapes. Greenery visible in the background.
Two young deer touching noses on a rocky ground with green grass in the background.
A deer standing in a traditional Japanese courtyard with wooden gates, white walls, and a building with a tiled roof in the background.
A stone-paved street flanked by traditional Japanese walls, with trees and houses in the background under a partly cloudy sky.