Nara Park

#nara Park
Nara Park (奈良公園, Nara Kōen) is a renowned public park located in Nara City, Japan. Established in 1880, it spans approximately 660 hectares and is celebrated for its free-roaming deer and significant cultural landmarks .

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🦌 Sacred Deer of Nara

The park is home to over 1,200 wild sika deer, considered sacred messengers of the Shinto gods. This belief originates from a legend where the deity Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara riding a white deer, leading to the animals being revered and protected as national treasures .

Visitors can purchase special deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed the deer, who are known to bow in exchange for treats. However, caution is advised, especially during the autumn mating season, as some deer may exhibit aggressive behavior .

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🏯 Cultural and Historical Significance

Nara Park encompasses several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and important cultural properties:
• Tōdai-ji Temple: Houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world .
• Kōfuku-ji Temple: Features a five-story pagoda, a symbol of Nara.
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns.
• Nara National Museum: Exhibits a vast collection of Buddhist art and artifacts.
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