Nara After Dark: Sacred Deer, Lantern Walk with Hidden Views

Discover Nara’s hidden beauty after dark. Walk among sacred deer, learn about their nighttime behavior, enjoy lantern-lit views, and explore Nigatsu-do Hall in a serene, crowd-free atmosphere.
Meet your guide and step into a quieter side of Nara after dark.
Begin your walk toward Todai-ji Temple, following lantern-lit paths to the Nigatsu-do Hall. As you walk along the stone corridor, listen to your footsteps echo softly and take in the peaceful night views of the Nara cityscape below.

Pause to admire the scenery and feel the calm of the moment.
Hear the sound of the wind, see the gentle glow of hanging lanterns, and experience the rare silence that surrounds the hall after the daytime crowds have gone.

Next, continue to the Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasugano Park area to observe and learn about the nighttime ecology of Nara’s sacred deer. Watch as they gather in herds, rest beneath trees, and quietly ruminate—revealing a side of their lives most visitors never see.

Using a red light designed to avoid disturbance, observe the deer respectfully from a distance while your guide explains:

・how deer behave at night
・why they gather in the same areas after sunset
・what rumination is and why deer move their mouths while resting
・how their behavior changes from day to night

You will also learn about the rules in place to protect the deer and the long history of coexistence between the deer and the people of Nara.

By the end of the walk, familiar deer will no longer feel like a simple tourist sight, but like living wildlife deeply connected to the land and its history—turning this experience into both a cultural and educational night tour.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.