Up Close with the Messengers of the Gods
Nara Park is a vast green space covering approximately 660 hectares in the eastern part of central Nara. It encompasses major historical landmarks such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kōfuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the Nara National Museum, and even stretches into the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. This grand park is truly fitting for an ancient capital.
Within its expansive grounds, where beautiful lawns blend harmoniously with centuries-old pine trees—some over 1,000 years old—approximately 1,300 wild deer roam freely. Considered sacred messengers of the gods in the Shinto tradition, these deer are one of Nara's most iconic and beloved attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.
