Nara Park is a very famous attraction in the city of Nara. The park is home to a large number of deer — Nara has nearly 1,200 of them — which have become a symbol of the city. This large public park in the middle of Nara lets you see these adorable deer up close. Don't worry about the deer being aggressive — they are very used to people, and some are so tame and clever that they even bow for food. They can get a bit pushy only at feeding time, when some may tug at your clothes or bag, so it's best to dress practically and stay careful while feeding them.
Believe it or not, the deer's favorite food isn't vegetables, as many people assume — the deer here love "shika senbei" crackers, special crackers made just for the deer. You'll find quite a few shops selling these crackers around the park. Besides the deer, which are the main draw here, the park is also home to several other attractions, including Todaiji Temple), Kasuga Taisha, Kofuku-ji TempleandNara National Museum It's a destination suitable for all ages, with plenty more to see and do nearby.
A little deer walks right up to the camera
A deer lying next to a caution sign about deer
Feeding a deer crackers bought from a convenience store
A baby deer at the deer park
Lots and lots of deer at Nara Park