Nara Park isn’t just a park—it’s a living stage where wild deer roam freely like royalty. These aren’t staged encounters; they’re real, bold, and utterly charming. Hand them a cracker, and watch their soft noses sniff, their tiny mouths crunch—some even lean in with a gentle head-bump. It’s not just a photo op; it’s a moment of pure, joyful connection with nature’s gentlest ambassadors.

Everything you need to know about Nara Park
Nara Hilton Hotel is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Nara Park. Its rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering scenic views of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the deer roaming through the forest paths. The hotel provides free shuttle service to major attractions and includes family-friendly amenities like a children’s playroom and a traditional Japanese garden lounge—perfect for immersing in ancient capital culture.
Take the Nara City Bus Route 101 or transfer at Kintetsu Nara Station, reaching Nara Marriott Hotel in just 10 minutes. Located adjacent to Todai-ji Temple, it offers a 15-minute walk to Nara Park and features a Japanese-style garden and tea ceremony experience room. This blend of convenient access and authentic Japanese cultural immersion makes it ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and tradition.
Beyond interacting with the sacred deer, don’t miss the night illuminations at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, where lantern lights cast a magical glow on ancient wooden structures. Explore Nara-machi Old Town for local delicacies like Nara-zuke pickles and matcha desserts, and visit the Nara Prefectural Museum of Art to view rare Heian-era handscroll paintings. These experiences seamlessly combine nature, history, and culinary culture, revealing Nara’s profound heritage.
Absolutely. Both Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are within Nara Park or immediately adjacent—reachable in just 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from hotels like Nara Marriott or Nara Hilton. These sites are UNESCO World Heritage-listed, with clear signage guiding visitors. Visit Todai-ji’s Great Buddha Hall in the morning, then stroll through the vermillion torii gates of Kasuga Taisha in the afternoon to experience the harmonious blend of Buddhist and Shinto traditions.
Yes, both Nara Hilton Hotel and Nara Marriott Hotel provide complimentary shuttle services with multiple daily departures to Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kintetsu Nara Station. Additionally, some hotels partner with Nara City Tourist Buses, offering discounted sightseeing passes that eliminate transit worries, allowing guests to focus fully on discovering the city’s historical and ecological treasures.
Head to the vermillion torii gates of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, especially at sunrise or sunset when light filters through the arches, creating stunning visuals. Another iconic shot is the stone deer statues in front of Todai-ji Temple, framed against the grand roofline of the Great Buddha Hall. For a poetic composition, visit the lakefront of Nara Park to capture reflections of deer and cherry blossoms—ideal for artistic photography. These are must-photograph locations with timeless appeal.
Explore more amazing destinations