Nara: A Day with Deers and a Dash of History

17 May 2025

Visitors walking toward Todai-ji Temple main gate in Nara, Japan under a blue sky

A deer resting on a stone pathway beside a bridge with green trees in Nara Park Japan

Wild deer walking among tourists on a stone pathway at Nara Park Japan with lush green trees

Deer resting under green trees in Nara Park, Nara, Japan on a calm day

After we reached Nara, the first thing we did was wander the streets.

And then came our little side quest—collecting a manhole card. For the uninitiated, these are special manhole cover trading cards issued in cities across Japan, each featuring unique local designs. A quirky but fun souvenir that added a playful twist to our day.

I was on a mission to find a matcha shop I’d bookmarked on Google Maps—it had glowing reviews, and I was excited to try it. The last time I came to Nara, I remember having a great time browsing through the local shops, soaking in the town’s charming atmosphere. This time though, our company wasn’t quite as interested. Aside from picking up a strawberry daifuku, we didn’t linger much. A little different from how I remembered, but I guess that’s part of traveling with others—everyone experiences a place in their own way.

Nara may feel like a small, quiet town compared to Kyoto or Osaka, but it holds a huge place in Japan’s history. Once the country’s first permanent capital (710–794, during the Nara Period), this city is home to some of Japan’s oldest and most important temples—like Todai-ji, which houses the Great Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha, famous for its stone lantern paths. Walking its streets feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by traditional shops, wooden houses, and that distinct sense of ancient Japan.

But let’s be real—most people, including us, come for the deer. And Nara does not disappoint.

The Stars of Nara: Sacred Deer

I’ve always felt an odd affinity for deer—probably thanks to Chopper from One Piece—and here, they really are the stars of the show. In Shinto belief, Nara’s deer are regarded as messengers of the gods. That’s why they freely roam around Nara Park and temple grounds, mingling with humans as if they own the place.

We’ve bumped into deer before—at Labuan Bajo and Miyajima—but Nara takes the crown for sheer numbers. Everywhere you turn, there’s a deer either bowing politely for food or trying to nibble at something that looks edible. Tales of deer kicking, nudging, or cajoling tourists for crackers are legendary, and after spending a day with them, I can confirm—they are both adorable and slightly chaotic.

Deer Crackers, Strategy & Chaos

Of course, we bought the special shika senbei (deer crackers). But we quickly learned to be strategic. Waving them in front of a herd = guaranteed furry stampede. Our trick was to wander into quieter corners before daring to pull them out.

Even then, chaos found us. One cheeky deer mistook a tourist’s plastic bag for food. The poor shopkeeper and the tourist tugged desperately to rescue it. We ended up distracting the deer with our crackers—plastic bag saved, biscuits sacrificed. Deer: 1, Tourists: 1.

Later, we found a grassy patch where we could take our time snapping photos. Despite the drizzle, the cooler weather made the day surprisingly pleasant, and the soft rain gave the whole park a gentle, peaceful feel.

Beyond Deer: Temples & A Quirky Quest

Between the deer drama, we did take in Nara’s historic sites. Standing before the Great Buddha of Todai-ji, one of the largest bronze statues in the world, is humbling—it’s a reminder of Nara’s deep role in shaping Buddhism in Japan. At Kasuga Taisha, the endless rows of lanterns made the shrine feel timeless, especially with the misty rain.

Reflections

Nara may be small, but between its living “sacred messengers,” its monumental temples, and even its quirky collectibles, it left us with a day that was both fun and memorable. The deer stole the spotlight, but the sense of history and calm made it equally special.