Nara Koen Park, located within Nara City, is one of Japan’s oldest parks. Both ancient and scenic, it is well known for the large number of Japanese shika deer that wander freely around the grounds. Legend says that one of the four deities of Kasuga Taisha Shrine rode into the area on a white deer, and that the deer of the park are sacred. In fact, the deer were designated as a national treasure in 1957. The nature of the park is largely untouched, resulting in a picturesque landscape that serves as a beautiful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Crackers for feeding the deer can be purchased within the park, and visitors are welcome to interact with the animals. The deer are used to people and generally very friendly; they can, however, be a bit pushy when it comes to food, so visitors with small children should take proper caution. Visitors to the park should be respectful of the deer and keep in mind that they are, while generally friendly, still wild animals.

Photographs provided by the Nara Visitors Bureau.