A Magical Day in Nara Nature Park, Japan
In November 2023, we finally had the chance to visit Nara Park for the first time. The plan was simple: spend the day surrounded by the famous free-roaming deer and soak up the history of this incredible area. Having seen countless photos and videos of the deer, we were excited to experience it all in person.
We arrived from Osaka around 11:00 am, a quick 50-minute journey on the Kintetsu-Nara Line. The moment we stepped into the park, we could see them—deer scattered across the lawns, strolling along the pathways, and even crossing the road alongside tourists. Without wasting time, we headed straight towards them.
Feeding the Deer
The deer are the stars of Nara Park, and it doesn’t take long to see why. Vendors around the park sell special deer senbei (rice crackers), and feeding the animals is part of the fun. At first, we were eager to try, but we quickly realized not all the deer were hungry—many just sniffed the biscuit, looked unimpressed, and walked away. A slightly disappointing start, but funny nonetheless.
Later, we picked up a few tricks. For example, the deer can actually bow back at you when you bow to them. It’s a surprisingly polite exchange, though sometimes followed by a not-so-polite head bump if they get impatient for a cracker. And if you offer one deer a cracker that another deer has already licked, they’ll turn up their noses. Fresh crackers are the way to go.
The park does take safety seriously. Many of the male deer have their antlers shaved—most likely the notorious “bunters” who’ve been known to nudge or headbutt tourists. Even so, it’s good to stay alert. They might be sacred animals, but they aren’t shy about butting you for food.
And while they’re charming, the deer aren’t exactly considerate about where they leave their droppings. If you’re not watching your step, you might end up taking home more than just a souvenir.
Lunch at Monsieur PePe
By midday, it was our turn to refuel. After a quick search, we stumbled across a cozy café nearby called Monsieur PePe, famous for its galettes. The area was bustling, so we decided to make a reservation. Thankfully, the Call Butler team helped us secure a table without any wait, which turned out to be a blessing. The café itself was warm and welcoming, and the galettes were as delicious as they looked—simple, hearty, and just what we needed to keep exploring.
Visiting Todaiji Temple
Energized after lunch, we walked to Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most iconic historic sites. Established in 728 AD, the temple is awe-inspiring even before you step inside. The sheer scale of the wooden structure, decorated with intricate carvings, is a sight to behold.
The highlight, of course, is the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden). Inside sits a 15-metre-tall bronze Buddha, the Daibutsu, which radiates a quiet, powerful presence. Standing beneath it, you can’t help but feel a sense of reverence. The atmosphere is peaceful yet grand, making it easy to understand why this temple is considered one of Japan’s cultural treasures.
Magical Musical Moments
Just outside the temple, we noticed an upright piano with people queuing up to play. Anyone could sit down and perform, and the sound of live music floating through the grounds added a dreamlike quality to the day. Watching a young woman play a colorful piece on the piano against the backdrop of Todaiji made the experience feel even more magical.
Living with Deer
As the afternoon light softened, we wandered back through the park. The deer were still everywhere, weaving between tourists, lounging under trees, and even waiting patiently at the crosswalks for the green light before strolling across the street. They’re clever animals—you’ll often see them sitting beneath mist fans in summer to keep cool, or nudging open bags if they think food is inside.
We spent a bit more time feeding and playing with them before heading back to Osaka. By then, we had learned a few things: bow to the deer and they’ll bow back, guard your snacks, and always watch where you’re stepping.
Wrapping Up Our Day
Nara Park was every bit as charming and unpredictable as we imagined. Between the playful deer, the delicious lunch, and the humbling beauty of Todaiji Temple, it turned into one of the most memorable days of our trip. If you’re visiting Japan, Nara is an absolute must—just remember to keep your crackers handy and your shoes clean.
Pro Tip for Feeding Deer
Later in the day, we realized that if a deer licks a senbei but doesn't eat it, and you try to feed the same one to a different deer, they will turn away. Perhaps they can smell the other deer. To increase the chance of a deer eating your senbei, use a fresh one.
Seamless Experience with Call Butler
If you want your trip to run smoothly, Call Butler is the perfect travel companion. Think of it as your personal concierge in Japan—always on call to help with things like restaurant reservations, bookings, or even small everyday requests. They took care of our lunch reservation in Nara, which saved us time and hassle, and let us focus on enjoying the day. With Call Butler, you don’t need to worry about language barriers or logistics—they handle the details so you can simply relax and make the most of your stay.