[Pure tour, no shopping] Visit the essence of Kansai in one day: visit Kiyomizu-dera for nostalgia, see the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, and feed the cute deer in Nara Park. No regrets in Kyoto and Nara.
[Optional Chinese service] Chinese-speaking driver, optional hotel pickup package within the Osaka Loop Line, no need to worry about route planning or complex public transportation.
[Travel Conditions]
Departure/Destination: Osaka-Nara-Kyoto
Duration: Same-day return
Transportation: Comfortable commercial vehicle
Bus Company: RBC Daichi Kanko or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Group Size: 2
Tour Leader: None
Guide: None
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company: Chowa Travel Co., Ltd.
Address: 2-18 Tadusetsu-cho, Gifu City
License Number: Gifu Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-328
Travel Agency Association: Full member of ANTA (All Nippon Travel Agents Association)
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 09:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please strictly abide by local Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid legal issues that may affect your rights.
During free time, please pay attention to your personal safety and belongings. You are responsible for any accidents or losses caused by ignoring warnings.
Travelers aged 70 and above must ensure they are in good health for travel and must be accompanied by a family member or friend aged 22 or older throughout the trip.
Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult throughout the trip.
We are committed to providing you with the best travel experience, but in some cases, we need to flexibly adjust the itinerary based on actual conditions. Thank you for your understanding and support.
We recommend allocating about 2 to 3 hours for Nara Park to leisurely explore the main attractions like Todai-ji Temple's Great Buddha Hall and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, with ample time to interact with the deer. If you wish for a deeper experience, such as visiting surrounding trails or museums, half a day might be needed. You can adjust your stay based on your personal interests and energy levels to ensure you capture the best memories.
Deer crackers are available from numerous vendors and shops within and around Nara Park. They are mainly concentrated near the entrances of Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, as well as in areas with high visitor traffic within the park. These stalls usually display a 'Deer Cracker' sign, making them easy to spot. It's advisable to have your crackers ready for feeding immediately after purchase to avoid being chased by the deer.
The deer in Nara are generally gentle, but they may exhibit more proactive behavior for food, such as lightly nudging, tugging at clothes, or biting bags. This is not true 'aggression' but an instinctive reaction to food. When interacting, please note: avoid teasing or overstimulating the deer; feed them quickly and all at once, and keep the crackers hidden; and be aware of your surroundings. Do not hide food in your hands, as the deer may continue to approach, thinking there is still food.
A recommended route would be to start from Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station and walk into Nara Park. First, you can head to Todai-ji Temple to visit its magnificent Great Buddha Hall and experience the warmth of the deer around. Afterwards, you can stroll along the park's paths to Kasuga Taisha Shrine to admire its ancient architecture and lanterns. You'll encounter many deer along the way, allowing for spontaneous interactions. This route covers the highlights of Nara Park and is suitable for first-time visitors.
Nara Park offers different beauty in every season. Spring (March-May) is when cherry blossoms bloom, summer (June-August) is lush and green, autumn (September-November) brings red maple leaves, and winter (December-February) can offer snowy landscapes. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit due to pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. The best time of day is recommended to be in the morning, when there are fewer visitors, the deer are calmer, and the light is good for photos.
When feeding deer crackers, please keep the following in mind: 1. Feed quickly: Feed the crackers to the deer as soon as you have them to prevent prolonged chasing. 2. Show empty hands: After feeding, hold up both hands to show you have no more food; the deer will gradually disperse. 3. Avoid hiding food: Never hide crackers in pockets or bags, as the deer have a keen sense of smell and may come too close searching for food. 4. Do not feed other foods: Besides deer crackers, please do not feed them other human food, as it can harm their health. 5. Protect your belongings: Be mindful of handbags, paper bags, or maps, as they might be bitten or damaged by the deer. Following these guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable interaction for both you and the deer.
The deer in Nara exhibit many unique behaviors. They will bow back to visitors who bow to them, a behavior learned through long-term interaction with humans. Additionally, the deer are very sensitive to sounds and smells and will actively approach visitors due to the scent of deer crackers. They also express their desire for food through their gaze and actions. In the early morning or late evening, you might see them resting or foraging on the grass, which are all part of their daily routine.
When interacting with the Nara deer, you should avoid the following behaviors to ensure safety and harmony: 1. Do not feed them anything other than deer crackers: Besides the locally sold deer crackers, other human foods can be harmful to the deer. 2. Do not tease or chase the deer: This can cause them stress or make them aggressive. 3. Do not approach fawns or mothers with fawns: Mothers may be more sensitive to protect their young. 4. Do not forcibly touch antlers: Especially during shedding season, the antlers of male deer can be sharp or sensitive. 5. Do not play with or hide deer crackers: This can stimulate the deer and make them think you are toying with their food. Following these suggestions can prevent unnecessary trouble and allow for friendly interactions with the deer.