Nara Park (Nara Prefecture): How to Visit, When to Go and What It Costs
奈良公園 · Nara Park · ならこうえん · 名勝奈良公園
Nara Park — Nara
| Also known as | 奈良公園 · Nara Park · ならこうえん · 名勝奈良公園 |
| Region | Nara Prefecture, Japan |
| Coordinates | 34.685453, 135.843411 |
What it is
Nara Park is a public park in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Established in 1880, it is one of the oldest parks in Japan and is under the control of Nara Prefecture. The park is designated as one of the "Places of Scenic Beauty" by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Over 1,200 wild sika deer roam freely in the park and are classified as a natural treasure. The park also contains other wild animals, including wild boar, Japanese raccoon dogs, Japanese giant flying squirrels, and Japanese squirrels. Vegetation includes pine, cherry blossom, maple, plum, and Japanese cedar trees.
The official size of the park is about 502 hectares. The area including the grounds of Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Nara National Museum, which are on the edge of or surrounded by the park, is as large as 660 hectares. The park has no walls, fences, or gates, so visitors can walk in from any direction at any time.
When to go
The park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Spring is a common time to visit, as the park is a cherry blossom spot and many people view flowers around Ukimidō. The park can be walked year-round, and the time needed depends on how much of the surrounding temple and shrine grounds you wish to cover.
Getting there
Nara Park is located in the city of Nara in Nara Prefecture. The source material does not provide specific train, bus, or driving directions to the park.
What it costs
There is no admission fee to enter Nara Park. Because the park has no walls, fences, or gates, visitors can walk in from any direction at any time without paying.
Frequently asked questions
How many deer are in the park?
There are over 1,200 wild sika deer roaming freely in the park. They are designated as a natural treasure by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Is the park open at night?
Yes. The park has no walls, fences, or gates and can be walked through 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
How large is the park?
The official size of the park is about 502 hectares. Including the grounds of Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Nara National Museum, the total area is about 660 hectares.
What other animals live in the park?
In addition to sika deer, the park is home to wild boar, Japanese raccoon dogs, Japanese giant flying squirrels, and Japanese squirrels.
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Reference: Wikidata · Wikipedia (ja) · Wikipedia (zh) · Wikipedia (en)