Nara Park in Winter

Review of Nara Park in December 🍂🦌 Hey there! I just got back from Japan and visited Nara Park in December. Let me tell you—it was absolutely amazing! ❄️ The atmosphere was incredible. There were still some yellow, red, and brown leaves left, though not as vibrant as in November's peak season. But the vibe was perfect, with cool and comfortable weather around 8-12°C. You can walk around all day without feeling tired. Just make sure to bring a good windbreaker because it gets chilly in the evening! 🌿 What is Nara Park? Nara Park is a massive public park in Nara city, famous for its abundance of deer. Seriously, wherever you go, you'll see deer, deer, and more deer! I had seen them in reviews before and thought they were cute, but seeing them in person was surprisingly charming. They approach you politely, especially if you have deer crackers (shika senbei). Some even bow their heads before asking for food—so adorable! 😆 But beware, some are a bit cheeky and will demand food outright. If you don’t have any, they’ll walk away without a second thought. 😂 📸 Tons of photo spots The grassy areas, trees, and nearby Todai-ji Temple are all stunning. Every photo you take will have that quintessential Japanese vibe. Even just walking around, you’ll find picturesque spots. Some fallen leaves are still red in certain areas, giving off a light autumn feel even in December. 🙏 Another highlight: Todai-ji Temple We went inside to see the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), and wow—it was peaceful, beautiful, and awe-inspiring. The Buddha statue is so massive that it made me feel tiny. The atmosphere felt like stepping back in time to an ancient era. 🚌 Getting there is super easy We took a train from Kyoto, which took about 45-50 minutes to Kintetsu Nara Station. From there, it’s just a 5-10 minute walk to the park. It’s really close! If you’re staying in Osaka, you can also visit easily—it’s only about an hour by JR train. 💡 Tips from me: – Deer crackers cost 200 yen—buy them! Feeding the deer is so much fun. – Don’t open your bag or carry plastic bags; the deer will follow you. 😂 – Go early in the morning when the deer are still hungry and there are fewer people—perfect for photos. – Wear sturdy shoes because some areas have wet ground and, well, some "deer surprises" 🦌💩. 📆 In summary: Nara Park in December = perfectly cool weather, fewer crowds, adorable deer, peaceful atmosphere. It’s ideal for a relaxing stroll, taking photos, visiting temples, enjoying nature, and finishing the day with a hot bowl of ramen. 😋