A complete guide to Nara Park that even beginners can enjoy!
introduction
Overview and History of Nara Park
Nara Park is located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, and boasts a vast area of approximately 660 hectares. Opened in 1880, it is one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations, dotted with historical buildings such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofukuji Temple. In particular, the approximately 1,200 wild deer that live in Nara Park are beloved by tourists and have become a symbol of the park.
Why is Nara Park a popular tourist destination?
Nara Park is attractive for its fusion of rich nature and historical architecture. You can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season, from cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy landscapes in winter, so you’ll discover something new every time you visit. Many tourists also visit because there are many ways to enjoy the park, such as interacting with deer, the grandeur of the Great Buddha Hall, and the mysterious atmosphere of Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
1. Access to Nara Park
How to get to Nara Park from Nara Station
Access to Nara Park is very convenient, with many transport options available from Nara Station.
How to use trains and buses
It is convenient to get to Nara Park from Nara Station by city bus. Take the city loop bus from Nara Station and get off at the “Nara Park” bus stop. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes. If you are coming by train, you can reach Nara Park in about 5 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station.
How to use taxis and rental cars
If you want to travel more comfortably, we recommend taxis and rental cars. If you take a taxi from Nara Station to Nara Park, you will arrive in about 10 minutes. If you rent a car, you can visit by car as there is a parking lot.
How to combine your visit with other nearby tourist attractions
After visiting Nara Park, you can also enjoy the surrounding tourist attractions. For example, the old streets of Naramachi and the Nara National Museum are nearby. By visiting these spots together, you can get a deeper feel for the history and culture of Nara.
2. Highlights of Nara Park
Interacting with deer
The deer that live in Nara Park are friendly to tourists. You can buy deer crackers to feed them and enjoy interacting with them. Deer are considered messengers of the gods and are the symbol of the park.
Todaiji Temple and the Great Buddha Hall
Todaiji Temple is a temple representing Japan located in Nara Park, and its Great Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Inside the hall is a 15-meter-tall Great Buddha (Rushana Buddha), and its impressive presence is definitely worth seeing.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine and its Mysterious Atmosphere
Kasuga Taisha is an ancient shrine founded in 768, characterized by its beautiful vermilion-painted buildings and abundant nature. There are about 3,000 lanterns in the grounds, and the area is enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere, especially during events when the lanterns are lit up.
Kofukuji Temple and the Five-story Pagoda
Kofuku-ji Temple was founded in the Nara period, and its five-story pagoda is a landmark of Nara. It is also home to many national treasures and important cultural properties, making it a must-see spot for history buffs.
Walking courses within the vast grounds
There are various walking courses available within the vast grounds of Nara Park. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll while enjoying nature. You can refresh yourself while enjoying the seasonal scenery.
3. How to enjoy Nara Park
Etiquette and points to note when visiting a shrine
When visiting the shrines and temples in Nara Park, it is important to observe proper etiquette. Be quiet within the grounds and do not disturb other worshippers. When feeding the deer, do so in designated areas and be mindful of their safety.
Photo spots and tips
There are many photo spots in Nara Park, and we especially recommend taking photos with the deer. To take the best shots, it’s best to visit in the morning or evening when the natural light is beautiful. You can also take impressive photos with historical buildings such as the Great Buddha Hall and the five-story pagoda in the background.
How to enjoy each season
Nara Park shows different beauty throughout the year. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and the vibrant greenery of summer’s fresh greenery is a delight to the eyes. In autumn, the leaves change color, and in winter, the park is transformed by the snowy scenery. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again to enjoy the scenery of each season.
4. Recommended spots around Nara Park
Old streetscape of Naramachi
Near Nara Park is an area called Naramachi. Here you can still see the old streets that date back to the Edo period, and you can stroll through traditional buildings and quaint alleys. Naramachi also has many stylish cafes and shops that have been renovated from old houses, so you can spend some relaxing time between sightseeing.
Nara National Museum
The Nara National Museum is an important facility where you can learn about the history and culture of Nara. There are many valuable exhibits inside the museum, including Buddhist statues and ancient crafts. Special exhibitions are also held regularly, so you’ll discover something new every time you visit. It’s within walking distance of Nara Park, so be sure to stop by.
Mount Yoshino and its cherry blossoms
If you’re planning on taking a little trip out to explore Nara Prefecture, we recommend visiting Mount Yoshino. Mount Yoshino is known as one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, and in spring the entire mountain is dyed pink with cherry blossoms. Like Nara Park, it’s a place where nature and history come together, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season.
5. Practical Information
Opening hours and admission fees
Nara Park itself is open 24 hours a day, but facilities such as Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine have set opening hours and admission fees. For example, Todaiji Temple’s Great Buddha Hall is open from 8am to 5pm (times may vary depending on the season) and admission fees are 600 yen for adults, 400 yen for junior and senior high school students, and 200 yen for elementary school students. Please check the official website of each facility for the latest information before visiting.
Barrier-free Information
Nara Park is a vast park, and many areas are being made barrier-free. There are wheelchair-accessible routes and barrier-free toilets. In particular, major facilities such as Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are well equipped with barrier-free facilities.
Souvenir shops and recommended items
There are many souvenir shops in and around Nara Park. You’ll be spoilt for choice every time you visit, with adorable deer-themed goods, Nara specialty sweets, and crafts. Particularly popular souvenirs are items unique to Nara, such as deer crackers and Nara pickles.
Nearby accommodation
There are various accommodations around Nara Park. From luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses, you can choose one that suits your travel style. There are also accommodations that have been renovated from traditional Nara townhouses, allowing you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Nara.
summary
The charm of Nara Park lies in its beautiful nature, historical buildings, and friendly deer. Use this article to plan your visit to Nara Park and have a wonderful time. We have provided detailed information on access, highlights, and ways to enjoy the park so that even beginners can enjoy it, so we hope you will make use of it. You can also fully enjoy the charm of Nara by visiting the tourist spots around Nara Park. Your next trip to Nara is sure to be an unforgettable experience.