Everything You Need to Know Before Feeding Deer in Nara

For many travelers, bowing to the polite deer of Nara Park and feeding them a crisp rice cracker is a bucket-list experience. While these iconic animals are designated as National Natural Treasures, they are still wild animals with sharp instincts.

To ensure your visit is filled with magical photo ops rather than panicked moments, here is your essential guide to safely feeding the deer in Nara.

How to Buy Deer Crackers (Shika Senbei)

You don’t need to pack any snacks for the deer—in fact, feeding them human food is strictly prohibited as it can make them seriously ill. Instead, you can purchase official Shika Senbei (Deer Crackers).

Where to find them: Small, green-roofed wooden carts and local souvenir shops scattered all around Nara Park.
The Cost: A pack of crackers usually costs around ¥100 to ¥200 (prices may vary slightly depending on the shop or if purchased from local vending machines).
What they are made of: Safe, sugar-free ingredients (rice bran and wheat flour) that are perfectly healthy for the deer’s digestive systems. The paper bands holding them together are printed with soy ink, making them completely safe if swallowed.

Pro Tip: The deer know exactly what those green carts mean. They rarely bother the vendors, but the moment they see you hand over your coins, you will instantly become the most popular person in the park.

What to Do If You Get Surrounded

Nara’s deer are experts at spotting a tourist with food. If you buy a pack of crackers, you might suddenly find yourself at the center of an eager herd. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t panic—just follow these steps:

Hide the crackers: Put them in a bag or pocket out of sight. If the deer can’t see the food, they will quickly lose interest and walk away.
Show your empty hands: Raise both hands in the air with your palms facing the deer. This is the universal sign for “I have no more food,” and the local deer understand it perfectly.
Keep moving: Walk at a calm, steady pace toward an open area. Avoid running, as this can trigger a chase instinct or cause them to rush after you.

Do They Ever Bite? (Safety & Etiquette)

Yes, they can bite, kick, or butt you with their heads—but almost always because they are being teased or frustrated.

While the deer are famous for “bowing” to ask for food, a bow is a request, not a trick performance. If you make a deer bow multiple times without rewarding it, or if you hold the cracker just out of reach for a photo, they will get impatient.

How to avoid getting nipped:

Feed them promptly: Once a deer bows, give them the cracker immediately.
Break the crackers: Snap the crackers into smaller pieces before you approach the deer. This lets you feed them multiple times without withholding food.
Watch the fawns and mothers: Be extra cautious around mothers with young fawns, especially during the spring birthing season (May–July) and the autumn mating season (September–November), when the deer can be naturally more aggressive.

By respecting their space and feeding them quickly, you’ll enjoy a safe, memorable, and incredibly charming interaction with Nara’s famous residents.a Park. By treating them gently, you can create unforgettable memories while appreciating the beauty of life.