You’ve probably seen those immaculate clips on TikTok or Instagram: A tourist bows gently and, as if in a perfectly choreographed Disney scene, the deer greets him back. Everything looks harmonious, almost kitschy. When planning my trip, I quickly became skeptical. Is this real magic or just a well-staged show in which stressed animals are used for likes? Such places often turn out to be overcrowded tourist traps that have little to do with the romanticized online portrayal. My aim was to find out whether Nara lives up to this hype or whether the reality turns out to be sobering.
Getting there and location: fast and cheap from Kyoto or Osaka
The logistics are pleasingly simple. Nara is strategically located and can be reached from both Kyoto and Osaka in less than an hour by train. So you don’t have to travel the world to get there. The price of the journey ranges from a relaxed 4 to 9 euros, depending on which type of train you choose. From the train station in Nara itself, it is only a short walk of around 10 to 15 minutes until you reach the park entrance. So it’s the perfect day trip that doesn’t require any complex pre-planning.
The first impression: between crowds and quiet oases
The first sight at the park entrance can be overwhelming: the crowds of visitors build up here. But don’t let this put you off. Nara Park is extremely spacious. As soon as you leave the first hundred meters behind you, the streams of tourists become noticeably less crowded. We were there at the beginning of October when it was over 30 degrees and the numerous old trees not only provided shade, but also created a relaxed atmosphere. Instead of walking through a hectic concrete jungle, you see locals having picnics and children playing. There is a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere away from the main paths.
The sacred deer: bows, food and behavior
Let’s get to the most important question: do they really bow? Yes, they do. It’s an almost surreal experience: you nod, the animal nods back. However, this is not Japanese politeness, but learned behavior in anticipation of a reward.
The animals are used to humans and are sometimes very tame. But be careful: they are still wild animals. If you hesitate to give them food, they may become pushy, poke or nip. Pay particular attention to your belongings and keep an eye on children. They are fed exclusively with “Shika Senbei”, special rice-wheat cookies, which you can buy anywhere in the park for about 1 euro (about 8 to 10 pieces). Please never feed your own food, such as bread or potato chips, so as not to endanger the health of the more than 1,200 animals. The fact that they are allowed to live so freely here is due to the Shinto faith, in which they are revered as sacred messengers of the gods and have been protected for centuries.
More than just animals: culture and ambience
Many visitors come for the photos and miss out on the cultural heavyweight of the place. The park is home to the impressive Tōdai-ji Temple, whose imposing architecture alone is worth a visit. Inside you will find one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Japan. We spent about two hours wandering around, but you could easily spend a whole day here. The site is also used for local events; a jazz band happened to be playing when we visited. This mixture of nature, ancient culture and spontaneous experiences is what makes it so appealing.
Infrastructure and costs
What can quickly become expensive in other countries is regulated extremely fairly here: Admission to Nara Park is completely free. You only pay a small fee for the indoor areas of the temples or museums. The grounds themselves are well maintained, with clean public toilets, plenty of benches and clear signage. So you don’t have to worry about not finding your way around or being asked to pay for every little thing.
Conclusion: tourist trap or highlight?
Is Nara just social media hype? Absolutely not. Of course, people come for the photo with the bowing deer, but the overall experience offers much more substance. The interaction with the animals against the backdrop of important temples is unique and one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. It’s uncomplicated, inexpensive and offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Pack comfortable shoes, treat the animals with respect and be sure to plan this day.