Nara Park

(Source : feathercollector / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

This park is representative of Nara and includes many famous tourist spots like Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha and the national museum. It is surprising that these large premises could fit around 140 baseball fields! It is packed with tourist attractions like nature-filled green areas and a mountain from which Nara can be overlooked. A specialty of this park is that there are about 1,200 wild deer! You will be surprised by the number of deer you see when walking around. Visitors can go around the tourist spots in the park or feel the nature while relaxing in the park and climbing the mountain. Nara Park can be enjoyed with many different pass times.

(Source: Alfonso Jiménez/flickr)

Deer are believed to be servants of god

In all corners of the park, there are deer walking around freely. They are believed to be god's servants, as a deity once arrived at the Kasuga Taisha near the park, riding on a deer. The deer of Nara Park are therefore a registered national heritage and have become the symbol of this place. It is also possible to feed them by buying rice crackers for deer in the park. (Please pay attention not to get too close, as they are all wild deer.)

(Source: 鹿男の写真ブログ！「ノッポな目線」　)

Light up

Nara Park is lit up during the night all year round. The sight of the temples, shrines and gardens floating in the light creates a fantastic atmosphere and attracts many photography enthusiasts. The light up times are 19:00-22:00 (Sept from 18:00) and Todaiji is only lit up in summer.

(Source: 写真部)

Enjoy throughout the seasons

Nara Park offers beautiful landscapes with cherry blossoms in winter and changing leaves in autumn. During tokae (candle light event), held in summer, countless candles are lit in the park leading to a dreamy atmosphere. This sight which has long been upheld by the people of Nara is worth having a look.