Established in 1880, Nara Park was designated a scenic spot in 1922 and remains a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Japan’s former capital. Situated at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, the park is home to some of Nara’s most significant temples and shrines, many of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The park is also famous for its friendly sika deer, which roam freely among the historic sites and thousands of daily visitors.
Nara Park is a short walk from the city centre and major rail stations. Covering around 600 hectares, the park extends approximately 4 kilometres wide and 2 kilometres deep, making it Japan’s largest municipal park. Its spacious lawns and stunning trees are particularly breathtaking in autumn, when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and during sakura (cherry blossom) season in April, when the park is blanketed in delicate pink blooms.
The park also features scenic ponds and streams teeming with wildlife. Visitors can spot colourful koi carp, a variety of bird species, and even tortoises basking on rocks and logs in the water.
Historic Temples and Shrines
Nara Park is home to some of Japan’s most revered temples and shrines, including:
- The Five-Storey Pagoda (Sarusawa-ike) – One of Japan’s oldest pagodas, located at Kofukuji Temple.
- Kasuga Grand Shrine – A stunning Shinto shrine, famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.
- Tōdai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) – One of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. Completed in 1709, the Daibutsuden is the world’s largest wooden structure and houses Japan’s largest Buddha statue. Unlike many other temples that have been reconstructed due to fires or war, Tōdai-ji remains remarkably true to its original state. It also serves as the headquarters of the Kegon School of Buddhism in Japan.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Nara Park is also home to the Nara National Museum, which boasts one of the world’s finest collections of Buddhist art. The museum’s National Treasure Hall holds an extraordinary selection of artefacts, including sacred statues, paintings, and ceremonial items.
Events and Festivals
While Nara Park is bustling with visitors year-round, it becomes even more vibrant during seasonal events. Some of the most famous festivals include:
- Deer Horn Cutting Ceremony (October) – A traditional event where deer antlers are safely trimmed to prevent injuries to visitors.
- Nara Tōka-e Light Festival (August) – The park is illuminated with thousands of lanterns, creating a magical evening spectacle.
- Shuni-e Fire Festival (March) – A 1,200-year-old Buddhist ceremony at Tōdai-ji, where monks carry giant flaming torches in a purification ritual.
Access
From Nara Stations:
- From JR Nara Station: The park is about a 20-minute walk east along Sanjo Dori. Alternatively, you can take a local bus from Bus Stop No. 2 and get off at Nara Park (Nara Kōen) Stop.
- From Kintetsu Nara Station: The park is only a 5-10 minute walk. Simply exit the station and follow signs towards Tōdai-ji Temple and Kofukuji Temple.
By Bus:
Nara City operates a loop bus service that stops at major attractions within the park. The Nara Kotsu Bus runs frequently from both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station to the park’s key sites.
