One of the best things about Nara Park is that it doesn’t cost a cent to interact with the local deer in their natural habitat.
The home of “Shika” deer
Located to the east of Osaka or the south of Kyoto is the beautiful prefecture of Nara. Home to the native “Shika” (鹿) deer, this Japanese breed is known for its spotty fur and aggressively friendly behavior.
Upon arriving at Nara station, you’ll be hit with the vibrant atmosphere of locals and tourists making their way down to Nara Park. As the largest attraction in the prefecture, this public park is known for its abundance of wandering deer and beautiful natural landscapes.
Deer is love, deer is life
While you’re not allowed to feed the deer outside food, there are plenty of “Shika Senbei” (鹿せんべい) deer crackers being sold in the area. These crackers are cheap to buy and allow you to get close and intimate with the deer as they eat right out of your hand!
In some areas, you can see countless deer huddled together taking shelter under a tree. These deer have rights over everybody in Nara Park, and you’ll often see traffic being halted to allow one of these furry creatures to make its way across the road.
But first, let me take a selfie!
Remember, these deer can practically smell the Shika Senbei crackers on you, so don’t even try to hide it! I had the honor of being semi-assaulted by a deer trying to reach the crackers I had hidden in my pocket.
It’s not all tough love though, and many of these deer are more than happy to be in your photo. So be sure to take plenty of selfies and videos of your interactions with Nara Park’s Shika deer!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!