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Deer Friends: Sweets & Souvenirs Inspired by Nara's Four-Legged Friends
Sacred messengers of the gods, the popular wild deer that roam the parks and forests are a Nara icon. Cute, and slightly demanding if you have food, there are around 1200 deer in Nara Park. The inspiration for everything from traditional shrine decorations, crafts and sweets, fun toys to stylish accessories, deer souvenirs are a popular way to remember Nara.
colorful, with a playful twist
The deer souvenirs at Nippon Ichi are colorful, with a playful twist. The deer-faced papier-mâché “Daruma” are popular; paint in one eye at the beginning of a project or challenge, then the other if your wish comes true.
There is a great range of baby gifts from socks to wash cloths embroidered with deer motifs and papier-mâché deer toys made by a local group in aid of the disabled. At the top of the range, there are beautiful Ittobori carved deer with magnificent antlers as well as contemporary ceramics.
- Nippon Ichi
- A trendy, crafty approach to deer souvenirs. Souvenirs Nara Park
- These deer cookies for people are a playful twist on the crackers that you can feed to the deer.
fashionable twist on deer souvenirs
At traditional linen maker Yu Nakagawa, they put a fashionable twist on deer souvenirs, with tote bags and scarves made from local hemp fabric, embroidered with simple deer motifs. Small dishes by ceramics company Kutani Seal have an image of a deer and a pack of “shika senbei” crackers; a perfect memento of your trip.
- Yu Nakagawa
- Taking a trendy, arty approach to Nara’s deer. Souvenirs Naramachi
- Traditional hemp-cloth is printed with subtle deer imagery.
- Small dishes with a fun twist make a great souvenir.
collaborations with local crafts people and designers
In a palette of vintage white and pale wood, the stylish homewares store connected to the Kuruminoki cafe offers subtle deer souvenirs. Collaborations with local crafts people and designers like Mina Perhonen put a subtle, Scandinavian twist on the classic deer souvenir.
- Kuruminoki
- With an emphasis on natural materials and crafts, you can find something stylish for home.
Western Cafes Shin-Omiya
- Handmade cookies and crackers with subtle deer motifs.
- Inspired by traditional Akahada pottery, hand-painted dishes will remind you of your trip.
everything under one roof
Kite Mite Nara Shop has everything under one roof, from cute key rings featuring a deer character called Shikamaro-kun to chic temple lanterns. Look for the famous “Shika Sable” cookies, shaped like seated deer, by local baker Fukuei.
- Kite Mite Nara Shop
- A huge range of souvenirs, from kitsch charms to exclusive crafts. Souvenirs Nara Park
souvenir options to meet all tastes
You’ll find souvenir options to meet all tastes along the Nara Higashimuki Shopping Arcade and Sanjo-dori shopping areas, from cheap and cheerful deer antler headbands at Daiso discount store, to decorative writing paper at Issindo. Many cafes and sweets shops in the area such as Daibutsu Ichigo feature special sweets and parfaits, decorated with deer motifs.
- Nara Higashimuki Shopping Arcade
- Right next to Kintetsu Nara Station, you can do all your shopping under cover. Shopping Malls & Streets Nara Park
- Sanjo-dori Street
- Running from Sarusawa Pond down to JR Nara Station, this shopping street is a must-visit for souvenirs. Shopping Malls & Streets Nara Park
