How to (safely) enjoy Japan’s famed deer park

Joshua Mellin, CNN
5 minute read
Updated 8:58 PM EDT, Thu March 28, 2019
<strong>Nara Deer Park:</strong> Established in 1880, this is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Located in the city of Nara, it sits at the foot of Mount Wakakusa.
Nara Deer Park: Established in 1880, this is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Located in the city of Nara, it sits at the foot of Mount Wakakusa.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Visiting the park: </strong>The deer, wild and out in the open in the park, have grown accustomed to interacting with human visitors.
Visiting the park: The deer, wild and out in the open in the park, have grown accustomed to interacting with human visitors.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Snack time:</strong> In search of treats, the animals confidently approach visitors.
Snack time: In search of treats, the animals confidently approach visitors.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Photo opp: </strong>Many visitors like to share photos of themselves feeding the deer.
Photo opp: Many visitors like to share photos of themselves feeding the deer.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Shika-senbei: </strong>These special deer rice crackers available from vendors at the park can be purchased upon arrival.
Shika-senbei: These special deer rice crackers available from vendors at the park can be purchased upon arrival.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Retreating: </strong>Some get the deer sign-language better than others. The animals can become pushy when visitors begin to back away.
Retreating: Some get the deer sign-language better than others. The animals can become pushy when visitors begin to back away.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Safety signs: </strong>The Nara Prefectural Government has installed updated safety signs throughout the grounds.
Safety signs: The Nara Prefectural Government has installed updated safety signs throughout the grounds.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Smart creatures:</strong> In search of more treats, the most conniving deer make their way to the entrance near the temples and distract tourists from making it too far into the grounds.
Smart creatures: In search of more treats, the most conniving deer make their way to the entrance near the temples and distract tourists from making it too far into the grounds.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>All ages:</strong> Baby deer are hard to resist; stock up on treats so you have enough to go around.
All ages: Baby deer are hard to resist; stock up on treats so you have enough to go around.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Home sweet home:</strong> The deer are nearly always impressively tame and welcoming to visitors, who are just that — visitors in the deer's abode.
Home sweet home: The deer are nearly always impressively tame and welcoming to visitors, who are just that — visitors in the deer's abode.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>The park's popularity:</strong> Foreign visitors to the park have increased nearly 10 times between 2012-2017.
The park's popularity: Foreign visitors to the park have increased nearly 10 times between 2012-2017.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Trip highlight:</strong> The deer are generally peaceful, and their impressive bows are a delightful sight to behold.
Trip highlight: The deer are generally peaceful, and their impressive bows are a delightful sight to behold.
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Rare opportunity: </strong>How often does one get the chance to hang with dozens of roaming animals in an unenclosed space?
Rare opportunity: How often does one get the chance to hang with dozens of roaming animals in an unenclosed space?
Joshua Mellin
<strong>Saying goodbye:</strong> When you run out of snacks, that's when you know to it's time to wave bye-bye.
Saying goodbye: When you run out of snacks, that's when you know to it's time to wave bye-bye.
Joshua Mellin
See Japan's beloved deer park
Nara, Japan CNN  — 

Just a 45-minute train ride south of Kyoto lies the famous Nara Park, home to over 1,000 sacred deer who have learned to bow for treats.

The free-roaming animals are officially designated as a national natural treasure. Though they are considered messengers of the gods in the traditional Shinto religion, lately they’ve made headlines for some ill-informed behavior.

The deer, wild and out in the open in the park, have grown accustomed to being fed by tourists, most of whom travel to Nara for this very reason. Typically, they take what they can get and move on, but more recently, a couple of the deer have gotten aggressive, going so far as to bite the hands that feed them.

This news should not deter visitors, however, as a visit to Nara is a highlight of a trip to Japan for many foreigners. After all, how often does one get the chance to hang with dozens of roaming animals in an unenclosed space?

You need only to abide by a few simple rules to enjoy a bite-free visit to the popular park

The Nara train

Visitors to Japan often plan a day trip to Nara, though the area makes for a fine base if you’re looking for a quiet reprieve after time in Kyoto or Osaka.

Stepping off the train, first time Nara visitors are immediately greeted with artwork surrounding the station depicting the deer, and two mascots: Shikamaro-kun, a cute cartoon deer, and Sento-Kun, a baby with deer antlers representing the city. Even the local vending machines are adorned with deer-themed designs.

The deer, wild and out in the open in the park, have grown accustomed to being fed by tourists, most of whom trek to Nara for this very reason.
The deer, wild and out in the open in the park, have grown accustomed to being fed by tourists, most of whom trek to Nara for this very reason.
Joshua Mellin

Established in 1880, Nara Park is one of the oldest parks in Japan. In addition to the famous deer, the park is home to Kofokuji, the family temple of the most powerful clan at the height of Nara’s influence.

Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located on the park grounds. So too is the National Treasure Museum, noted for its collection of Buddhist art.