Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple
Sacred Deer and the Great Buddha of Ancient Japan
Todai-ji Temple was constructed in 752 AD during the Nara period when Nara served as Japan's capital. Emperor Shomu ordered its construction as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan, demonstrating the immense power and wealth of the imperial court at that time. The temple's name literally means 'Great Eastern Temple,' reflecting its importance in the Buddhist hierarchy.
The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) houses a colossal bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha, standing 15 meters tall and weighing approximately 500 tons. The current statue is the third iteration, as the original was damaged by fire twice throughout history. The hall itself, while smaller than the original, remains the world's largest wooden building, showcasing ancient Japanese architectural mastery.
Nara Park, established in 1880, spans over 500 hectares and encompasses several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is famous for its population of over 1,000 sika deer, considered sacred messengers of the Shinto gods. These deer have been protected and venerated for over 1,300 years.
The deer of Nara have learned to bow to visitors in exchange for deer crackers (shika senbei), a charming interaction that has become one of Japan's most iconic tourist experiences. In Shinto belief, these deer are seen as divine protectors of the city, and harming them was historically punishable by death. Today, they roam freely throughout the park, creating a unique harmony between nature, wildlife, and historical monuments.
Key Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
- World's largest bronze Buddha statue at 15 meters tall
- Daibutsuden is the world's largest wooden building structure
- Over 1,000 sacred free-roaming deer throughout the park
- Founded in 752 AD during Japan's Nara period as the capital
- Expansive 500-hectare park containing multiple historic temples and shrines
Access Information
Location
406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Kintetsu Nara Station (Kintetsu Nara Line)
- • JR Nara Station (JR Kansai Main Line)
Opening Hours
Apr-Oct: 7:30-17:30 | Nov-Mar: 8:00-17:00 | Museum: 9:00-17:00
Admission Fee
¥600 for adults, ¥300 for children (Daibutsuden); Park is free entry
How to Get There
From Kintetsu Nara Station
Walk east through Nara Park
15 minutes
From JR Nara Station
Walk or take local bus #2 or #6
25 minutes
From Kyoto
Kintetsu Limited Express direct to Kintetsu Nara
45 minutes
From Osaka
Kintetsu Nara Line or JR Yamatoji Rapid
40 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Deer Interaction Etiquette
The deer are wild animals despite their friendly demeanor. Bow to them before offering crackers, and they often bow back. Don't tease them with food or turn your back while holding crackers - they may become pushy or nip at clothing. Keep food bags and maps secure as deer will try to eat paper.
Purchase Deer Crackers (Shika Senbei)
Official deer crackers are sold at numerous stalls throughout the park for ¥200. These special crackers are made from rice bran and wheat flour without sugar, designed specifically for deer health. Never feed them human food as it can make them sick.
Visit Early Morning for Best Experience
Arrive early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds and experience the park at its most peaceful. The deer are most active and friendly in the morning, and you'll have better opportunities for photography with fewer tourists around.
Don't Miss the Pillar with a Hole
Inside Daibutsuden, find the wooden pillar with a hole at its base - legend says passing through it brings enlightenment and good luck. The hole is the same size as the Great Buddha's nostril. It's tight, especially for adults, but worth trying for the experience!
Explore the Full Temple Complex
Beyond the Great Buddha Hall, explore Nigatsu-do Hall for panoramic city views, Sangatsu-do Hall with ancient statues, and the beautiful temple grounds. The walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine through the park and stone lantern path is particularly scenic.
Walk to Mount Wakakusa
From Nara Park, you can hike to nearby Mount Wakakusa (open March-December) for spectacular views of Nara city, the park, and temple rooftops. The 30-minute climb offers different perspectives of the area and fewer crowds at the summit.
Try Local Nara Cuisine
The area around Nara Park offers many restaurants serving local specialties like kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi), narazuke (pickled vegetables), and various venison dishes. The shopping street between stations and the park has numerous options.
Watch Your Belongings
Deer can be aggressive during mating season (autumn) or when very hungry. Keep distance from bucks with antlers. Secure loose items like maps, tickets, and shopping bags - deer will eat almost anything paper. Watch small children around larger deer.
Temple Photography Rules
Photography is allowed in most areas of Todai-ji, including in front of the Great Buddha, but use no flash inside the halls. Some special exhibition areas prohibit photos entirely. Be respectful during prayer times and ceremonies.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Nara Park and Todai-ji?
Most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring both the park and Todai-ji Temple. If you plan to visit nearby temples like Kasuga Taisha or hike Mount Wakakusa, allocate 5-6 hours. Just visiting Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall takes 30-45 minutes, but interacting with deer and walking through the scenic grounds adds considerable time.
When is Nara Park least crowded?
Weekday mornings before 9 AM are the quietest times, especially in winter months. Avoid weekends, Japanese holidays, and cherry blossom season (late March-early April) when crowds are heaviest. Early morning visits also offer the best deer interactions as they're most active and less overwhelmed by tourists.
Are the deer in Nara Park safe for children?
Generally yes, but supervision is essential. Deer are wild animals and can become pushy or nip when hungry. Avoid feeding deer if your child is nervous, and never let children tease them with food. Bucks with antlers (autumn-winter) should be given extra space. Keep toddlers away from larger deer groups.
How much do deer crackers cost and where can I buy them?
Deer crackers (shika senbei) cost ¥200 per bundle at stalls throughout the park. Official vendors are everywhere near popular areas. Only feed these certified crackers - human food can harm deer. If deer become too aggressive after you've fed them, show empty hands to signal you're out of crackers.
Can I visit Nara Park in the rain?
Yes, the park is beautiful in light rain with fewer crowds. Bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes as paths can get muddy. Todai-ji's indoor Great Buddha Hall is perfect for rainy weather. Deer are still active but less pushy. Avoid heavy rain days as outdoor walking becomes unpleasant and some deer shelter in wooded areas.
Is Nara Park wheelchair accessible?
Partially accessible. Main paths through the park are paved and wheelchair-friendly. Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall has ramps and elevator access. However, some secondary temples like Nigatsu-do involve steep stairs. Unpaved trails to Mount Wakakusa are not accessible. Rental wheelchairs are available at the park entrance.
What's the best time of year to visit Nara Park?
Autumn (October-November) offers stunning fall foliage with comfortable temperatures and active deer. Spring (March-April) features cherry blossoms but huge crowds. Summer is hot and humid. Winter (December-February) has fewer tourists and unique beauty, though deer are less interactive. Each season offers distinct charms depending on your priorities.
Are there lockers or luggage storage at Nara Park?
Yes, coin lockers are available at both Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station (¥300-700 depending on size). Todai-ji Temple has limited luggage storage near the entrance for ¥500-800. For large suitcases, use station lockers rather than carrying them through the park, as paths are long and crowded.
Can I go inside the Great Buddha statue?
No, you cannot enter the Buddha statue itself. However, inside Daibutsuden Hall, you can walk around the statue's base to view it from all angles. The real interactive experience is the pillar with a hole (Buddha's nostril size) that visitors try to crawl through for good luck and enlightenment.
How big is the Great Buddha compared to other famous Buddha statues?
Nara's Great Buddha stands 15 meters (49 feet) tall, making it Japan's largest bronze Buddha. It's taller than Kamakura's Great Buddha (11.3m) but smaller than the standing Buddha in Ushiku (120m). The statue weighs approximately 500 tons. Its hand alone is large enough for several people to sit in.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Todai-ji?
No advance tickets needed. Purchase tickets at the entrance gate for ¥600 (adults) or ¥300 (children). Lines can be long during peak seasons (weekends, holidays, cherry blossom time), but they move quickly. Arriving early morning or late afternoon reduces wait times significantly.
Are there restrooms and where are they located?
Yes, clean public restrooms are scattered throughout Nara Park near major temples and the Nara National Museum. Todai-ji has restrooms near the entrance before the ticket gate and inside the complex. Most facilities are modern and well-maintained, though toilet paper can run out during peak times - carry tissues.
What should I do if a deer becomes aggressive?
Show your empty hands clearly to signal no more food. Walk away calmly without running or turning your back. Don't hold crackers behind your back - they can smell them. If a deer follows persistently, seek help from park staff (identifiable by uniforms). Deer rarely cause serious injury but can nip clothing or bags.
Can I buy omamori or get a goshuin at Todai-ji?
Yes, Todai-ji has an office selling various omamori (protective charms) for ¥500-1,000 near the Great Buddha Hall entrance. Goshuin (temple stamp) costs ¥300-500 and is available at the main hall's office. Bring a goshuin book or buy one there for ¥1,500-2,000. Several other temples in the park also offer unique goshuin.
Is there English information at Todai-ji and Nara Park?
Yes, English signage is available at major sites including Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall. Audio guides in English can be rented for ¥500. Informational plaques at temples and historical sites have English translations. However, smaller shrines may have Japanese-only signs. Translation apps are helpful for detailed historical information.
What are the deer doing when they bow?
Deer have learned to bow in exchange for crackers - it's a trained behavior, not instinctive. They associate bowing with receiving food from humans. If you bow first, many deer will bow back expecting a cracker. This unique interaction has developed over generations of deer-visitor contact, making it a distinctive Nara experience.
Can I bring food into Nara Park for a picnic?
Yes, picnicking is allowed in designated areas. However, keep all food secured in bags until eating - deer will aggressively pursue any visible food items including sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. Never leave food unattended. Several lawns and shaded areas near ponds are popular picnic spots, especially during cherry blossom season.
What other temples should I visit near Todai-ji?
Nigatsu-do Hall (5-minute walk) offers panoramic city views and is less crowded. Kasuga Taisha Shrine features thousands of stone lanterns along a beautiful forest path (15-minute walk). Kofuku-ji Temple with its five-story pagoda is near Sarusawa Pond (10 minutes). All are within walking distance and included in the UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Is Nara Park good for young children?
Yes, children usually love feeding and interacting with deer. However, some young kids may be frightened by pushy deer. The park is stroller-friendly on main paths but challenging on trails. Todai-ji's pillar hole crawl-through is exciting for children. Allow plenty of time as kids often want to spend hours with deer. Pack snacks and drinks.
What should I absolutely not miss at Nara Park?
Don't miss: feeding and bowing with deer, viewing the Great Buddha up close, crawling through the Buddha's nostril pillar for luck, exploring Nigatsu-do's terrace for sunset views, walking the stone lantern path to Kasuga Taisha, and trying local narazuke pickles or kakinoha-zushi. Take time to simply wander - the park's peaceful atmosphere is its greatest treasure.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Mount Yoshino
Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing destination, featuring 30,000 cherry trees cascading down the mountain slopes in spectacular spring displays.
Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossoms
Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing site with 30,000 sakura trees covering mountain slopes in spectacular springtime display.
Naramachi Old Town
Well-preserved historic merchant district featuring traditional machiya townhouses, craft shops, cafes, and museums showcasing Edo-period life.