People often visit Nara for a variety of reasons. From experienceing the traditional culture and seeing and seeing the historical landmarks to seeing Nara's annual festivals and trying the local specialty cuizine. One of the biggest contributors to people visiting Nara, however, are the local deer. Nara is famous for its semi-wild deer population, which roams freely throughout the city. The deer are considered to be sacred and protected, and visitors can feed and interact with them.
You can not only get up close and get pictures with them, you can actually get the deer to bow to you if you say rei, which means bow in Japanese. You'll need to get their attention first, and if you don't feed them they will start to nudge you a bit. It's ussually not much of an issue though. Just be careful during mating season.

Nara Park

If you want to get the most out of your experience in Nara, then you have to visit Nara Park. Nara Park is a large public park located in the city of Nara, Japan. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, and there are many reasons to visit. Nara Park is essentially the central location find a lot of shops, see Todaiji Temple, experience the atomosphere of Nara. It also is the best place to interact with the deer of Nara.

One interesting thing about the deer in Nara is that they'll bow to you if you get their attention and say れい (rei), which means bow in Japanese. Most locals will tell you that you should allow the deer to bow three times, then give some せんべい (senbei), Japanese rice cracker. In the park many businesses and stands will sell senbei for a reasonable price of around 200 yen for a small stack. Many deer will let you pet them and even nudge you for attention. If you don't want to get surounded you may want to try to be discreet when showing some deer your senbei. Like I mentioned above, just be careful during mating season (September-November). It's definitely an incredible and memerable expereince and worth a day trip!

It should be noted that the senbei sold in the park are healthier than the senbei you would normally buy for yourself, so please don't try to bring your own senbei from a conbini. It may be unhealthy for the deer. The people in the area care about the deer and have laws specifically protecting them.

Todaiji Temple

Within Nara Park is Todaiji Temple, which up until 1998 was the world's largest wooden structure, despite being reconstructed in 1692 at only 66% of it's original size. This temple also houses one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Japan (or even the world for that matter). This massive building has quite the presence about it and actually is one of the contributing factors to the moving of Japan's capital out of Nara. Back when Nara was the capital, the temple's precense and influence actually was affecting the government's ability to make decisions. So the government in an effort to reduce the temples "political power" moved the capital from Nara to Kyoto. One unique and interesting activity people can attempt at the temple is "passing through the pillar". One of the huge pillars that supports the building has a hole that is the same size as the buddha's nostril, and anyone who is able to pass through it supposedly will experience enlightment. While Nara in general is quite a beautiful part of Japan Todaiji on it own is a sight to see and experience.

FAQ

Are the deer in the park dangerous?

Yes, and no. Firstly, they are wild animals, so there is always a chance of something happening. Having said that, the deer in Nara live very closely with people and interact with new people every day. For the most part as long as your being considerate, and not doing anything to frighten or hurt the deer you should be alright. Also be aware that during deer mating season there is a higher probability of experiencing an issue as the male deer can be more aggressive.
Deer mating season is from September-November.

Do the deer really bow?

Yes, they will bow their heads down in front of you. Younger deer may take a little longer to get to bow, but they learn pretty quickly from their peers. Keep in mind that if you just keep feeding the deer without saying rei (pronounced Ray) then they may not bow until you initiate it. (P.S. You should give them a respectful bow back as well.)

Do I need to bring food for the deer?

No, vendors in the park provide the Japanese rice crackers at affordable prices and are likely healthier than if you brought food from elsewhere.

Why are the deer a big deal in Nara?

In the past the deer of Nara, Japan were considered to be sacred and and have since then been protected by the city. They were seen as messengers of the gods and are believed to bring good luck to those who interact with them. The deer have been a part of Nara's culture for many centuries, and they have become a symbol of the city. As for how they're viewed today, it really depends on the individual. In addition to their cultural and spiritual significance, the deer of Nara are also a major tourist attraction, as visitors can feed and interact with them in Nara Park. The deer have become an important part of the local economy, as they contribute to the city's tourism industry.

Overall, the deer of Nara are an important and beloved part of the city's culture and history.

Major festivals

Several Festivals as held in Nara annually that are unique to the prefecture like the Nara Kasuga-taisha Shrine Festival held in February. It features a procession of people carrying lanterns through the streets of Nara. Next theres the Nara Prefectural Agricultural Festival in April celebrating the local agriculture industry. During which a variety of food and drink can be enjoyed while listening to traditional music and dance performances. In May there is the Nara Marugoto Festival which has a parade of floats, traditional Japanese music, and dance performances. In December you can see the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri where a procession of people carrying portable shrines through the streets of Nara. It is one of the most important festivals in Nara and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government. Also in December you can see the Todai-ji Temple Illumination. Where Todai-ji Temple, one of the most important cultural sites in Nara, can be seen litten up at night with thousands of lanterns, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere.

Local Specialties (めいさん) 名産

Every prefecture in Japan has a couple local specialties they're known for called 名産, meisan. So while visiting different prefectures it's always a fun experience to try the 名産 when you get a chance! Here's a quick list for Nara!

Nara, Japan is known for several local dishes, including:

• Kakinoha-sushi: This is a type of sushi that is made with thin slices of fish or seafood and pickled vegetables, wrapped in persimmon leaves.

• Nara-zuke: These are fruits and vegitables that have been pickled with sake and mirin. Although they can be found as a side with many dishes all throughout Japan, they are said to have originated in Nara, coming from China. May as well try them in the city they started in.. maybe...

• Nyumen: Nyumen is a type of Somen noodles. Like the narazuke, somen noodles came into the country from China in the Nara period. Somen noodles are typically boiled then cooled in water. These noodles are then served dry. You take the noodles, dip them in a cold sauce , and eat them. However, nyumen in nara are eaten in a warm broth instead of the traditional cold sauce.