Nara Park Review: A Healing Journey Through History and Nature

Nara Park is the most unforgettable stop on my trip to Kansai, Japan. Located in the center of Nara City, this 500-hectare park is not only a beautiful natural attraction, but also a microcosm of culture and history. Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or you are an experienced traveler, Nara Park is definitely worth spending a whole day exploring. The main attraction: Deer As you enter the park, the first thing that greets you is herds of sika deer. They move freely between grasslands, roads and shrines, as if this is their kingdom. Just spend a few hundred yen to buy some deer senbei (鹿せんべい), and they will come close to you obediently, but be careful as there may be too many deer competing for food, the momentum is amazing! This kind of close interaction with animals makes the whole journey full of healing. Temples and shrines with a strong historical atmosphere The park is home to the world cultural heritage sites of Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple. Among them, the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple is breathtakingly magnificent. The world's largest wooden building and the huge Buddha statue make people deeply feel the ancient Japanese craftsmanship and beliefs. The red corridors and numerous stone lanterns of Kasuga Taisha Shrine also create a sacred atmosphere. Beautiful natural scenery in all seasons Cherry blossoms in spring, red leaves in autumn, lush greenery in summer, and tranquil snow scenes in winter, Nara Park has different charms in each season. I visited in late autumn. The fallen leaves and orange-red maple leaves all over the ground, coupled with the sight of deer strolling around, made me feel like I had walked into a fairy tale. Some tips • The park is large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. • Deer sometimes chew bags or clothing, so avoid carrying plastic bags. • It is recommended to come in the morning when there are fewer tourists and the light is beautiful, which is perfect for taking photos. • When photographing deer and temples, pay attention to the neatness of the background and the focus position to make the picture more layered.