Bambi with an Attitude: Your Survival Guide to Nara Park & The Great Buddha
You are in Kyoto or Osaka. You have a free day. You should go to Nara.
It is the oldest capital of Japan (older than Kyoto!). It is calm, green, and beautiful. But let’s be honest. You are going for one reason: The Deer.
There are over 1,000 wild deer roaming freely in the city. They are sacred messengers of the gods. They are also… always hungry.
As your friend, here is how to visit Nara, feed the deer without crying, and see the most impressive statue in Japan.
1. The Deer: Cute but Gangsters
The deer in Nara are wild, but they are comfortable with humans. They have a special trick: If you bow to them, they will bow back. It is the cutest thing on earth.
The “Shika-Senbei” (Deer Cracker) Trap: You can buy a pack of deer crackers for 200 JPY. WARNING: The moment you buy these, the deer know. They will swarm you. They will nudge you. They might nip your shirt or butt.
- The Strategy: Don’t panic. Break the cracker into pieces. Feed them quickly. When you run out, show them your empty hands (open palms) to say “All gone!” They usually understand and walk away.
2. Todai-ji: The Giant Buddha
After playing with Bambi, keep walking into the park. You will see a massive wooden gate. This is Todai-ji Temple.
It houses the Daibutsu (Great Buddha).
- The Scale: Pictures don’t do it justice. It is 15 meters (50 ft) tall. The palm of his hand is the size of a human. It is breathtaking.
- The “Nostril” Challenge: Behind the statue, there is a wooden pillar with a hole at the bottom.
- Legend says the hole is the same size as the Buddha’s nostril.
- If you can crawl through it, you will receive enlightenment (and good luck).
- Friend’s Advice: If you are a broad-shouldered adult… maybe don’t risk getting stuck. But it’s fun to watch kids do it!
3. Nakatanidou: The Fastest Mochi in the World
You might have seen this on YouTube. Near the station, there is a shop called Nakatanidou. Two men pound green mochi (rice cake) with giant hammers at lightning speed. It is a violent, rhythmic performance.
- Don’t just watch: Buy one! (About 150 JPY).
- The Taste: It is served warm, soft, and dusted with soybean flour. It is arguably the best mochi you will eat in Japan.
4. Kasuga Taisha: The Lantern Forest
If the crowds at the Buddha are too much, walk deeper into the forest to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. It is famous for having 3,000 lanterns (stone ones along the path, bronze ones hanging from the roof). It feels like a fantasy movie set, especially in the misty morning or late afternoon.
5. Getting There: Kintetsu vs. JR (Important!)
There are two train stations in Nara. Choosing the wrong one adds 20 minutes of walking.
- Option A: Kintetsu-Nara Station (The Winner)
- This station is basically inside the park. You walk out, and the deer are there.
- Best if coming from Kyoto or Osaka (Namba).
- Option B: JR Nara Station (The Loser)
- This station is a 15-20 minute walk from the park. It’s fine if you have a JR Pass, but Kintetsu is much more convenient.
Summary: A Perfect Day Trip
- Take the Kintetsu Line to Nara.
- Eat the Fast Mochi.
- Bow to a deer (and feed it a cracker).
- See the Giant Buddha.
- Crawl through the Nostril (optional).
Nara is relaxed, walkable, and unforgettable. It’s the perfect break from the neon lights of Osaka.
Want to pet a deer but scared of the big ones with antlers? Join our Nara Walking Tour. We know where the gentle, baby deer hide away from the aggressive crowds!
