Nara Park is a 660-hectare park in Nara, Japan, famous as the free-roaming home of around 1,200-1,300 sacred sika deer.
Established in 1880, the park’s deer trace their sacred status to an 8th-century legend in which the god Takemikazuchi arrived at Kasuga Taisha Shrine riding a white deer; the animals were protected by law for centuries and designated a national treasure in 1957.
Visitors can buy “shika senbei” deer crackers sold throughout the park, and the grounds also hold major landmarks including Todai-ji Temple and its Great Buddha Hall, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
