NARA PARK IN JAPAN
Welcome as we discover Nara Park in Japan, walk around with us as we encounter the friendly dears around the park and discover the temples. Coming from Kyoto, we decided to pass by and explore Nara before we head to Osaka. Having heard about the interesting things about Nara Park in Japan, it was indeed an experience with countless sika deer roaming around the park. Not only deer but there other things to do in Nara, which is to visit the shrines, pagodas, temples, and museum on this 240-hectare park. Follow along with us, here we provide the things to do in Nara in a day.
Things To Do In Nara Park In Japan
Where Is Nara Park
Nara Park is located in the city of Nara, which is situated in the Kinki region of Japan, just a short distance from the cities of Osaka and Kyoto. The park is quite large and open space that covers for about 500 hectares. It is also accessible and easy to reach from both the Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station.
How To Go Nara Park
Nara Park can both accessible by train from the two (2) known cities in Japan; Kyoto and Osaka. These near-by cities are the common start point for visitors to the park.
OSAKA
Ride the train at the Osaka Station and alight at the Kintetsu-Nara Station after 45 minutes.
KYOTO
Ride the train at the Kyoto Station by the Nara Line Rapid and alight at the Nara Station after 50 minutes.
To get to Nara Park, you can easily access it from two major transportation hubs in the city: Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station;
- From Kintetsu Nara Station:
Take the East Exit, and follow the signs toward the Park. Walk for about 5-10 minute to reach the park and pass-by attractions like Todai-ji Temple. - From JR Nara Station:
Take the exit and walk straight down Sanjo-dori street, heading toward Kintetsu Nara Station. The park. It will takes about 15 minutes to walk to Nara Park from JR Nara Station.
Things To Do In Nara Park In Japan
Nara offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and culture, making it a wonderful destination for a peaceful day trip. Getting around Nara by foot is one of the way to explore Nara’s key attractions that are within walking distance of each other. Here’s our list of activities and experiences that make the most in our adventure to Nara Park in Japan.
1. Interact With The DEER
The most popular thing to do in Nara Park is to visit the free-roaming deer, which are considered sacred in Shintoism. Most of the visitors feed the deer by purchasing rice crackers at the shops. It is a common practice of respect when feeding the deer that person will need to bow in front of the deer. Visitors must be careful and pay respect to these animals.
2. SNAP THE KAGAMIKE POND
Taking a good snapshot at the famous pond in Nara Park-Kamagike gets you a good view of the Tadai-ji temple in the background. The scenic reflection of the water and colorful trees surrounded the pond. Kagamine pond is located on the inner side of the park before reaching the Todai-ji temple. Here you can also see many deers walking around and also temples. Going inside the Todai-ji temple visitor can see the huge statue of Buddha and visit the museum as well. Todai-ji Temple is open 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM with an admission fee of 1,200 yen.
3. PRAY FOR PROSPERITY AT TEMPLE
The park has a pagoda name Kofukuji Temple where it is being used as a meditation hall with a Buddha statue inside. The temple is here most of the rituals held for most people prosperity. Here most of the visitors will pay respect and pray to the Buddha.
4. VISIT THE NARA NATIONAL MUSEUM
Within Nara Park, there is a huge yellowish building – Nara National Museum. The museum is home to Nara history with several collections of different Buddhas and deities. Nara National Museum is open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday) with the admission fee of 2,500 yen (Adult) and 1,200 yen (Student).
5. ENJOY A MEAL AT SUKIYA
Our visit to Nara Park in Japan is not complete without going to Sukiya. Sukiya is one of the popular food chains in Japan that offer affordable meals and serve the famous Gyudon. Gyudon is a Japanese dish that consists of a bowl of rice topped with beef and onion. Here we try the Gyudon meal with a side dish like the Miso soup and green salad. The food is appetizing and flavorful with a distinct taste of authentic Japanese cuisine.
Gyudon bowl of rice topped with thinly sliced beef and onions simmered with sweet soy sauce.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is worth a trip visiting Nara Park in Japan which is made famous for the countless sika deer roaming around the park. Most of the visitors are fond of seeing the deer as they move freely in the park. But children get even more excited by being so close to the deer and following them. Visitors can feed the deer by buying rice crackers located around the park. We then realized that when feeding the deer one must bow in front to show respect. Not only deers, but the visitor can also visit the pagodas and temples where one can pray. If you are in Kyoto or Osaka you can make a day visit by exploring Nara Park which is very accessible by train. Hopefully, we are able to provide some good information on this thing to do in Nara Park.
