Nara Park and Deer

Nara Park, or Nara Koen in Japanese, is a large park in the heart of Nara. Established in 1880, the Nara Park features many of Nara’s most important points of interest like the amazing Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, the Nara National Museum and…its many deer!

Considered in the Shinto religion to be the messengers of the gods, Nara’s nearly 1200 deers have quickly become the symbol of the city, as well as one of its most important tourist attractions!