2 Days in Nara: Deer Park, Giant Buddha & Ancient Temples — Nara

🧳 Summary: Nara, located in the Kansai region of Japan about 30 km south of Osaka, was Japan’s first permanent capital (710‑794 AD). The city is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, free‑roaming deer in Nara Park, and a concentration of ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Visitors can explore historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and enjoy local specialties such as kakinoha‑zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) and mochi.

👉 Tip: Buy a Nara‑Park day‑pass for unlimited access to the park’s attractions and bring cash for small stalls; the deer are accustomed to being fed, but use the official deer crackers sold on site to avoid harming them.

🔆 Highlight: Visit Tōdai‑ji Temple to see the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a 15‑meter bronze statue housed in the world’s largest wooden building, and then stroll through Nara Park to feed the friendly sika deer that roam freely among the historic grounds.