When people come to Japan, they usually visit the big cities – Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. And while these are fantastic, and you definitely should go, there is a very special place, not far from Osaka that should be slapped onto your itinerary for sure; and that place is Nara.
Just a short, 10 minute walk from Nara station is the stunning Todaiji Temple, nestled in the middle of Nara Park. Right in front of the temple is a huge decorative lake. I spent about 20 minutes just taking pictures here, as the surrounding plants, and the relfections on the water were simple stunning. There’s also a little jetty/ stage that pokes out into the water. When I arrived, the monks were doing a performance, dancing and chanting – super cool.
The temple and grounds are beautiful, and definitely worth a good wander; but the main attraction here is something a little more furry…
Bambi!!….sorry, I mean, deer.
Nara park is famous for its deer population. There are over 1200 wild deer residing here who are, for the most part, very friendly. There are stalls all around the park where you can buy a pack of ‘Deer Crackers’ for a few hundred yen, and then off you go! The deer near the entrance are often less likely to eat, as everyone goes up to them straight away, so they’re probably full! Walk a bit further in though, and you will be mobbed by cute little bambis wanting to get a nibble.
Even better than this, the deer have learned how to bow for their food. When holding one of your deer crackers, bow to the deer; and they will bow back to get the cracker! It’s possibly the most Japanese thing I have ever seen.
Do be careful though. These are still wild animals. My dad got pecked by one when he had run out of food! No injuries, but it can hurt. If you have small children, just keep an eye on them. We saw some kids running around and teasing the deer – they were very lucky that we were nearby with food to distract them, or they might have gotten hurt!
You could easily spend hours and hours here; feeding deer, and walking around the temple. It’s an easy and worthwhile day trip from Osaka or Kyoto, so you should consider adding it into your trip if you plan on visiting either city.
What are your favourite day trips you’ve taken around the world? Have you ever been to Nara? Let me know in the comments!
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GeekGirlGoes 
seems like the deer is not human-shy
I had no idea you could feed the deer! I will for sure go one day! How’d you get to Nara? Bus, train? Does it drop you off right by the deer or do you have to walk much?
A train to Nara station, then it’s about a 15 minute walk up a nice straight road! So very easy to find 🙂
Lovely! I would definitely prefer to visit the smaller cities and towns if visiting Japan. I’ve never been interested in visiting Tokyo. But visiting Nara is right up my alley…:)
Yeah- I love doing the smaller, more traditional towns here. I’ll try and write about some more of them while I’m here! 🙂
Cute post! Animals scare me a little as they are unpredictable. It reminds of the time i was chased by a pelican at the zoo…scared the hell outta me haha. But deer seem cool.
Oh my word- chased by a pelican? I’m already quite scared of birds; don’t make it worse! haha. I promise these little guys were pretty docile, especially around the entrance to the park as they are all stuffed full of crackers!
Bowing deer?! How cool is that! I have heard of Nara before, though I didn’t realize you were able to interact with the deer. I thought it was more or less just a place with lots of deer that didn’t necessarily come up to you. I’d definitely go!
Yay! You definitely should! I was so surprised when I found out they bowed too – it was super cute!
Wow this is so cool, I love deer, such beautiful animals and those look so tame! I have never been to Japan…on the bucket list!!
Valerie
xo
I went here several years ago and still think of it as one of the coolest travel experiences ever!! Thanks for bringing back great memories for me 🙂
No worries! Glad you enjoyed Nara; and the article! 🙂
Such a gorgeous temple and grounds! I love the duality of Japan, on the one hand all modern skyscrapers and on the other, the traditional buildings and peaceful surroundings of old world Japan. So beautiful and even more special that you got to frolic with deer!
I hadn’t heard of Nara before. I like how close the temple is to the station! And of course, I would love to visit the deer. This will be a hit with our kids for sure.
Nara was my favourite place in Japan, so i thoroughly enjoyed the memories this post sparked! I was there at the end of last year- we took a day trip from Kyoto and just adored the deer and the scenery! I can’t wait to write my post on this day now! Thanks for sharing x
Oh my gosh how cute are these deer?!? They look so friendly and tame! Not at all what I think of when I think Japan. Very cool!
I never made it to Nara when I visited Japan last year and really regret that now! The deer look so adorable.