Nara Park and Its Deer: How to Meet Wild Sika Deer Safely

Updated October 24, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

In Nara, deer wander among temples and shrines, and visitors can feed them special crackers. It is one of the most charming scenes in Japan, and it also deserves a clear safety message: the animals are wild. This guide shares what Wikipedia reports about Nara Park and its deer, including warnings about injuries and ticks, and offers practical tips for a safe and respectful visit. Rules and conditions change, so follow signs and staff instructions at the park.

What Nara Park Is

Wikipedia describes Nara Park as a public park located in the city of Nara, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. It says the official size of the park is about 502 hectares, or 1,240 acres. That is large, so expect to walk if you want to see several areas.

The Deer

The article reports over 1,200 wild sika deer in the park. It says the deer were considered divine and sacred by both Kasuga Grand Shrine and Kofuku-ji, as messengers of Takemikazuchi, the main deity of Kasuga Grand Shrine. This background helps explain why the deer have a special status in the area.

Heritage Around the Park

The article says Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest are registered as World Heritage Sites, and that there are 47 buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Todai-ji's own Wikipedia page says it was founded in 738 CE and that its Great Buddha Hall was, until 1998, the world's largest wooden building. A day here can combine wildlife and heritage.

Deer Crackers

Visitors can feed the deer special crackers, called shika senbei. According to the article, they are made of wheat flour and rice bran, and are sold exclusively by a company named WNOW. The page also says the deer are wild animals and that you should not tease them during feeding. Use only the official crackers, and do not offer other human food, which may not be suitable for deer.

Safety Warnings

The Wikipedia page includes several warnings. It says wild deer in the park host ticks that can transmit tick-borne diseases. It reports that Nara Prefecture is urging the public to avoid touching deer unnecessarily. And it says that in 2016, a record number of 121 people were injured by deer. These points are a reminder that charm and risk can go together. If you are bitten, scratched, or butted, seek first aid and medical advice. If you think you have a tick bite, follow health guidance and consult a doctor.

How to Interact Safely

1. Treat the deer as wild animals, not pets.

2. Keep a respectful distance, and avoid touching them.

3. Do not tease them with food. Hold crackers out only when you are ready to give them, and give them promptly.

4. When you are out of crackers, show your empty hands and walk away calmly.

5. Do not turn your back on a crowd of eager deer if you are holding food.

6. Keep children close, and do not let them run toward deer or wave food.

7. Do not feed the deer anything other than official crackers.

8. Stay away from fawns and do not get between a fawn and its mother.

9. Wash your hands after contact.

10. Wear long trousers and use insect repellent if you plan to sit in grass, and check your clothing for ticks afterward. This is general advice, not specific medical guidance.

Taking Care of Belongings

Deer may nibble paper, bags, and clothing. Keep maps, tickets, and snacks closed in your bag. Do not leave anything where deer can reach it. If a deer grabs something, do not pull hard. Calmly try to get staff help.

Photographing the Deer

Deer make wonderful subjects, but the same cautions apply.

• Use a zoom lens or your phone's zoom.

• Avoid flash.

• Do not crowd an animal for a closer shot.

• Be patient and let animals come to you if they want.

• Do not use food as bait.

Planning a Visit

Nara Park is large, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Check the opening hours of any temple or shrine you plan to enter. Consider combining a morning walk with a visit to one or two heritage sites rather than trying to see everything. Check weather forecasts, and bring rain gear if needed.

Visiting With Children

Children are often delighted by the deer, and the risk of injuries makes preparation important. Explain in advance that the animals are wild and may nip or butt. Show children how to hold crackers with a flat hand, and make sure they know to let go when a deer reaches for them. Keep strollers and bags out of reach, and watch for deer approaching from behind. Wash hands afterward, and carry wipes. A calm, informed approach keeps the day fun for everyone.

Reading the Signs

Parks like this often post rules and warnings in several languages. Take a moment to read them, and follow instructions from staff, who know current conditions. If a deer behaves aggressively, move away calmly and tell staff. Do not try to handle the situation yourself. Respecting the rules is part of respecting the animals.

How the Park Took Shape

Wikipedia says Nara Park began in 1880 as a 14-hectare area within Kofuku-ji's grounds, which was government-owned land. In 1889, Todai-ji, Kasugano, and mountainous areas such as Mount Wakakusa were added, expanding the park to 535 hectares, and in 1960 the park was officially designated Nara Park under the Urban Park Act with an area of 502 hectares. The sizes differ because the boundaries and designations changed over time, so treat any single figure as tied to a particular date.

Sacred Deer, Then Protected Deer

According to the page, local folklore says Takemikazuchi, one of Kasuga Grand Shrine's four gods, arrived on a white deer, which made the deer sacred to Kasuga and Kofuku-ji. It says killing one of the sacred deer was a capital offense until 1637, and that after World War II the deer lost their official sacred status and became protected as a natural monument. The folklore is presented as a story, not as established history.

Why Safety Matters

The article says the deer population grew to around 1,200 by 2008, and that in 2016 a record 121 people were injured by deer. It adds that in July 2017, about 1,500 deer lived in the park, and that at least 164 people were injured by them from 2017 to 2018, mostly tourists feeding the deer. The page gives the deer population as 1,465 in 2025. These figures show why staff and signs ask visitors to be careful. The deer are wild animals, even though they may look tame.

A Warning About Ticks

Wikipedia says wild deer in the park host ticks that can transmit diseases with a reported fatality rate of up to 30 percent, and that in August 2025, Nara Prefecture urged the public to avoid touching deer unnecessarily. Take this seriously. Avoid unnecessary contact, do not sit on bare grass where deer rest, wash your hands after contact, and check your skin and clothing for ticks after a visit. If you find a tick, or feel unwell after a visit, seek medical advice and mention your visit. This guide is not medical advice.

Deer Crackers

The page says visitors can buy shika-senbei, or deer crackers, to feed the deer, and that only one company sells them. Buy only from official sellers, feed deer only with the crackers, and do not give them paper, plastic, or other food. Hold crackers low and give them one at a time. If deer crowd you, show your empty hands and walk away calmly. Never tease deer with food, and keep small children close.

A Calm Plan

Wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty, and keep bags closed, since deer may nibble on paper and fabric. Avoid wearing loose items that can be pulled. Keep your distance from fawns and from deer that are lowering their heads or stamping, which can be warning signs. Follow signs and staff instructions, and take your trash with you. Enjoy the animals from a respectful distance, and let the park remain a place that is safe for both people and deer.

Questions People Ask

How many deer are there? Over 1,200 wild sika deer, according to Wikipedia.

Are they sacred? They were considered divine and sacred by Kasuga Grand Shrine and Kofuku-ji.

What are the crackers made of? Wheat flour and rice bran.

Are there injuries? The article says a record 121 people were injured by deer in 2016.

Should I touch them? Nara Prefecture urges the public to avoid touching deer unnecessarily.

Sharing Space

The deer remind us that wildlife and culture can share a space. Enjoy them with care, and let them remain wild.

Keep Exploring

Tokyo Paul's Japan Photography Book Stunning Photos of Japanese Cityscapes, Shrines, Festivals & Nature is described on Amazon as a collection of pictures of those subjects from the author's YouTube Japan walks, with locations clearly labeled. See the book on Amazon

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Further Reading

• Wikipedia: Nara Park

• Wikipedia: Todai-ji