Nara Park: Japanese Temples,
Gardens and Deer in Nara, Japan

Nara Park (Nara Koen) is great!

Home to many of Nara, Japan`s historic sites, it is no more than an hour or so by train from Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe, making it an amazing destination for a day trip alone or with friends.

Unlike Kyoto, all of the Japanese temples, shrines and gardens are within walking distance of each other, and that is a big part of what makes it so enjoyable.

Some of the park`s most popular places to visit include:

- Todaiji Temple which includes both the largest wooden building and the largest Bronze Buddha in the world.

- Kofukuji Temple and its beautiful Five Story Japanese Pagoda.

- Kasuga Shrine, a tranquil Shinto Shrine with approximately 3200 Japanese lanterns.

- Isuien Garden, a well preserved Meiji era garden.

- The Nara National Museum.

While wandering to and from each ancient site, you might be gently harassed by a few of the more than 1000 tame deer that roam freely, searching for handouts of "Shika Senbei*" (deer rice crackers). These "Messengers of the Gods" also make for good photo ops.

*NOTE: Shika Senbei are for DEER ONLY.

Don`t eat them.

Please.