Recommended Itinerary
• Suggested route: Take a bus to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, then pass through Wakakusa Mountain and Todaiji Temple, ending at Nara Park.
• Why this route works:
1. From the station to Nara Park is farther than you might expect (about two bus stops or a 20-minute walk), despite some online guides claiming it’s only five minutes. Walking there first wastes energy.
2. Nara Park and Todaiji Temple are usually crowded with tour groups. Start early by avoiding the typical route, and visit the park in the late afternoon when it’s quieter.
3. Take the bus uphill and walk downhill—much easier!
Transportation Tips
1. Traveling Between Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara
• Kyoto ⇌ Nara:
• Option 1: JR Line, direct service, ¥710 one way.
• Option 2: Kintetsu Line, transfer required (some limited express trains are direct), ¥620 one way.
• Nara ⇌ Osaka:
• Kintetsu Line, direct to Osaka-Namba, ¥560 one way.
2. Nara City Bus
• From the northwest exit of Kintetsu Nara Station, you’ll find the bus terminal at Stop 1. Look for the stop behind the 7-Eleven store.
3. Deer Feeding Tips
Deer Crackers
• Locally known as “shika senbei,” these crackers are made from rice bran and wheat flour with no sugar or oil, making them safe for deer. They smell quite appealing, even to humans—so imagine how irresistible they are to the deer!
• Price: ¥150 per pack, available at Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha, and other locations.
Feeding Technique
• Portion Control: Store the crackers in your bag and take out one piece at a time. Break each cracker into 5–6 smaller pieces. This way, you can feed the deer for longer and take some photos while you’re at it. If you offer a whole cracker, the deer will grab it in one bite!
• Deer’s Mouth: Their mouths are soft, so don’t worry about being bitten or hurt.
• Finishing Up: Once you’ve run out of crackers, show the deer your empty hands to indicate, “Look, no more!” The deer will usually walk away.
Important Reminders
• No Other Food: While deer will eat almost anything, only feed them designated shika senbei. Foods with salt, sugar, or oil can harm their health.
• Keep Belongings Safe: Deer are notorious for snatching paper, plastic bags, or anything within reach. Make sure to secure your items, as ingesting these can endanger their lives.
With these tips, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience interacting with Nara’s famous deer while keeping both yourself and the animals safe!