Nara Park (奈良公園, Nara Kôen) is one of our favorite places in Japan, famous for its sacred deer (shika, 鹿) that roam freely throughout the park. With over 1,200 deer living here, these animals have become a symbol of the city.
Why are Nara’s deer considered sacred ?
The history of Nara’s deer dates back over 1,300 years and is closely tied to Shinto beliefs.
The legend of the God Takemikazuchi and the white deer
According to tradition, when Kasuga Taisha Shrine was founded in the 8th century, the god Takemikazuchi, protector of the city, is said to have traveled from Kashima Shrine (in present-day Ibaraki Prefecture) on the back of a white deer.
This event marked the beginning of the belief that Nara’s deer were divine messengers. For centuries, they were worshiped and protected, and their sacred status was taken very seriously—until the end of the Edo period (1603–1868), killing a deer was a crime punishable by death!
The Deer During World War II
During World War II (1939–1945), Japan faced severe food shortages. Many cities struggled with hunger, and natural resources were redirected to support the war effort.
Despite being protected as a national treasure, Nara’s deer also suffered. The lack of food led to a drastic population decline. Some sources even suggest cases of poaching, though it was officially prohibited.
Nara’s deer today: A national treasure of Japan
After the Meiji Restoration (1868), Japan modernized, and the deer lost their sacred status. However, because of their deep cultural and historical significance, they were designated a "national treasure" in 1957. Today, they are protected by the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation.
The hidden management of Nara’s deer
While deer are everywhere in Nara Park, some aspects of their management remain hidden from visitors.
Where are the dead deer ?
It is extremely rare to see a dead deer in the park. When a deer passes away, its body is quickly removed by local authorities to maintain the park’s image and ensure a pleasant experience for tourists.
A clean park thanks to local merchants
With over 1,200 deer, you might expect the park to be covered in droppings ... but it’s surprisingly clean! Local merchants and park staff regularly clean up deer waste, making the park a comfortable place to visit.
How many deer are in nara, and where can you find them ?
Nara Park is home to around 1,200 free-roaming deer. You’ll find them throughout the park, especially near major tourist sites like Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Tôdai-ji Temple.
Males, females, and fawns: how to tell them apart
- Males (shika-gai, 鹿牡) have large antlers, but they are cut annually during a special ritual (see below).
- Females (shika-me, 鹿牝) have no antlers and are often seen with their young.
- Fawns (ko-shika, 子鹿) are born in May and June and have adorable white spots on their backs.
Their average lifespan is 15 to 20 years.
Interacting with the deer: tips and precautions
Nara’s deer are very interested in tourists, but they are still wild animals. Here are some tips for a safe and enjoyable interaction.
Feeding the deer with “Shika Senbei”
Visitors can buy shika senbei (鹿せんべい), special deer crackers, available in the park for 200 yen (~$1.30).
Before giving a cracker, make a small bow—the deer have learned to bow back to ask for food! Hold your cracker firmly to keep them from snatching it too quickly. (You can try a bite yourself, but they don’t taste great.)
Beware of greedy deer! Some can get pushy, rummaging through your bags or even nipping at your backside to get your attention. If they become too aggressive, show them your empty hands—they’ll understand you have no more food and move on to the next visitor.
Respecting the deer and avoiding dangerous behavior
Although they are adorable, Nara’s deer are still wild animals and can sometimes be rough. Avoid the following:
- Don’t over-pet them: they don’t enjoy too much physical contact.
- Don’t try to ride them: they are not ponies!
- Don’t feed them anything other than shika senbei: human food can make them sick.
- Don’t run or scream: this may startle them.
Festivals and events celebrating Nara’s deer
Throughout the year, various events celebrate the deer and their cultural significance.
Shika no Tsunokiri (鹿の角切り) - The Antler-Cutting Ceremony
Every autumn, adult male deer have their antlers trimmed by Shinto priests—a 350-year-old tradition. This ritual helps prevent injuries during mating season when males become more aggressive.
The festival is a spectacular event, where trained handlers capture the deer before carefully sawing off their antlers.
- Location: Special enclosure near Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Admission: 1,000 yen (~$6.60)
- Season: Autumn
Ko-shika Kôkai (子鹿公開) - The Fawn Presentation
This event lets visitors see this year’s newborn fawns in a special enclosure at the Deer Preservation Center. It’s an adorable and unique opportunity to observe baby deer up close!
How to get to Nara Deer park
Nara Park is easily accessible from Kyoto and Ôsaka by train.
From Kyoto
- By JR Train (Included in JR Pass): Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara Station (~45 min).
- By Kintetsu Train (Not Included in JR Pass): Take the Kintetsu Limited Express to Kintetsu-Nara Station (~35 min).
From Osaka
- By JR Train (Included in JR Pass): Take the Yamatoji Line to Nara Station (~50 min).
- By Kintetsu Train (Not Included in JR Pass): Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Namba Station (~40 min).
Whichever station you arrive at, Nara Park is just a 10-minute walk east of the city center.
What to see around Nara park
While the deer are the main attraction, there are other must-visit sites nearby:
- Tôdai-ji Temple: Home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine: A mystical shrine adorned with thousands of lanterns.
- Mount Wakakusa: A great spot for a scenic hike with panoramic views of Nara.
