Nara
December 9th 2025
Where The Deer Roam Freely
Nara Park, located in the city of Nara in Japan’s Kansai region, is a historic and scenic public park renowned for its cultural sites, seasonal beauty, and freely roaming deer. Established in 1880, it covers roughly 660 hectares and surrounds several of Japan’s most important temples and shrines, making it both a recreational green space and a center of national heritage.
DEER 鹿[しか]
The park is famous for its sika deer (Cervus nippon), regarded as messengers of the Shinto gods since ancient times.
Hundreds of tame deer wander the grounds, interacting with visitors and often bowing for the special deer crackers (shika senbei) sold throughout the park.
1st You bow then you chow
This was our second time in Nara and we had to hit up some of our favorite spots outside the park.
MATCHA NARA
A small window serving a delightful treat of matcha in form of a latte, straight and even affogatos!
I can’t see myself skipping this outing every time we are staying near Kyoto! I think both times the weather was brisk and enjoyable. Our first visit was late in October and our 2nd in early December.