What to expect at Nara Park?
What to expect at Nara Park? Nara Park is very large and packed with the typical Japanese tourist attractions- ancient shrines and temples, imposing gates, wooden pagodas and oh-so pretty cherry trees. More uniquely, there is even a big Buddha and about 1,200 free-roaming, tame deer.
Why do the deer in Nara bow?
Yusa has the following hypothesis about this: "A long time ago, the deer in the capital Nara were afraid of humans, so they might have started bowing as a result of being stressed. However, the city gradually became a sightseeing spot and the deer learned to bow to people to get Shika Senbei rice crackers.
How do you get around in Nara?
Access to Major Areas. Served by the Kintetsu Railway and West Japan Railway (JR West), most of Nara's regions can be accessed with ease by train. An extensive bus network operated by Nara Kotsu is also in place for access to more rural areas, and as an alternative to rail travel.
Is Nara closer to Osaka or Kyoto?
Nara is 35 kilometers south of Kyoto City and about 28 kilometers east of Osaka. Thus, it's within easy day trip distances of these cities. Of course, if you want to slow down and enjoy Nara a bit more, it makes sense to stay a night in Nara to really explore the area.
Can you touch the deer at Nara Park?
Do not carelessly touch or approach the deer! Do not let your child approach the deer alone! The deer in Nara Park are wild animals. Their behavior is unpredictable.
Is Nara Park free?
Admission is free, but you will most likely wish to purchase deer crackers during your visit. A pack of ten crackers costs 150 yen. The Todaiji Temple is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm during the months of April through October, and 8 am to 4:30 pm from November through March. Admission is 500 yen.
Are the deer in Nara aggressive?
Refrain from going backward if you are not absolutely certain there is no deer behind you. The Nara deer are not very aggressive but if you accidentally hurt them, they might hurt you. Another tip to keep them calm is to make them do what they are famous for - bowing.
Is there anything to do in Nara?
Nara's sights include Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Heijo Palace, Nara National Museum, the Neiraku Museum and the Isuien Garden Complex.
Is it worth going to Nara Park?
While the deer are incredible (and sometimes a bit scary when you have food!), the park itself is incredibly beautiful. Nara Park is adjacent to the stunning Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji and Kasuga shrines. It's also dotted with lanterns and statues that make you feel connected to Japan's history and spiritualism.
Is Nara line covered by JR Pass?
The JR Nara line takes 45 minutes by express train or 70 minutes if you catch a local train from Kyoto Station. It's covered by the JR Pass but the price is 690 yen if you don't have one. This is the best way to get from Kyoto to Nara if you have the Japan Rail Pass.