My family and I had an exciting morning trip to Nara Park in Osaka. We fed friendly deers, explored beautiful scenery, and visited the historic Todaiji Temple. It was an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend Nara for a perfect blend of history, culture, and family fun.
Do you know there is a park in Japan where you can get up close with wild deer? Yes, wild deer! Last November, my family and I embarked on an epic morning trip to Nara, home to the famous Nara Park. With my wife and kids, we were excited to explore this unique destination, meet the friendly deers, and soak in the beautiful sights of Nara Park Osaka.
Starting the Day with a Hearty Breakfast
We started our adventure bright and early, waking up at 7 a.m. Our first mission was breakfast at Doutor, conveniently near our hotel, Namba Oriental. My wife and I savoured steaming hot lattes while the kids devoured pancakes like little food critics. Kayden opted for an Iced Royal Milk Tea (fancy, huh?), and Nathan refreshed himself with Orange Juice.
The breakfast cost 2,710 Yen, around SGD 23, which seemed pretty decent given the strength of the Singapore dollar. It was not a gourmet feast but a perfect start to our day!
How to Get to Nara Park
With our tummies happy, we topped up our Suica cards at Lawson and hopped on the train from Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station. If you’re wondering how to get to Nara Park, this route is one of the most convenient. The Rapid Express train arrived at 10:25 am, and by 11:05 am, we were stepping into the lively atmosphere of Nara. The station was buzzing with people — guess Sundays are the new Fridays in Nara!
Taking the Nara City Loop Bus
Instead of enduring a 30-minute walk to Nara Park Osaka, we hopped on the Nara City Loop Bus. The bus fare was 210 yen (SGD 1.80) for adults and 110 yen (95 cents) for children. The ride was delightful as we passed by vibrant street stalls and saw people stroll towards Nara Park under the cool, sunny November sky. The excitement was building!
Meeting the Friendly Deers at Nara Park
When we arrived at Nara Park, I couldn’t resist grabbing a Mitarashi Dango. I also picked up some Shika-Senbei, special sugarless rice crackers for the deer, for 150 yen (SGD 1.30). The Sika Deer, considered a national treasure of Japan, roam freely and are generally gentle. Feeding them by breaking the crackers into smaller pieces made our stash last longer and added to the fun. The deer was like, “Oh, treats! Don’t mind if I do!”
Exploring the Beauty of Nara Park
Nara Park was an absolute paradise. The sky was a clear, beautiful blue, and the temperature was a perfect 20 degrees Celsius. We strolled by the stunning Sarusawa Pond, surrounded by vibrant trees and koi fishes. Nathan had the time of his life patting the deer, though he was scared to feed them directly. I can’t blame him — when a deer looks at you like you’re holding the last piece of cracker, it’s intimidating! We did see some deer poop on the green grasses, but the air was fresh, and the park was wonderfully clean. No deer poop smell!
Visiting the Historic Todaiji Temple
Next, we visited Todaiji (東大寺, Tōdaiji), one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. We admired its grandeur from the outside, deciding to skip the entrance fee. Nathan and Kayden were thrilled to run around the temple grounds, their laughter echoing through the area.
Discovering Souvenirs and Snacks
A short walk from Nandaimon led us to a bustling row of souvenir shops and food stalls. The queues were long at the food stalls, but we managed to grab some delicious bite-sized snacks without waiting too long. Remember to bring a rubbish bag, as there are no bins in the park to prevent the deer from finding food in the trash. Imagine the chaos of deer raiding bins!
Wrapping Up Our Adventure
We spent about 2 hours exploring Nara Park, and it was an amazing experience, even though we only covered around 40% of it. The cool weather and our close encounters with the beautiful Sika Deer made it unforgettable. Without the kids, or if the kids have grown older, I’d love to return and explore more of Nara Park in November. Maybe next time, I’ll challenge a deer to a cracker-eating contest!
Conclusion
Our family trip to Nara was a thrilling and enriching experience that brought us closer together. We explored a beautiful part of Japan and created lasting memories. If you’re planning a family trip and wondering how to get to Nara Park from Osaka, it’s easy and worth it. Nara offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and fun that everyone will enjoy.
