Deer Spotting Without Flying to Japan—3 “Taiwanese Nara” Spots to Meet Adorable Deer

▲ Pingtung’s “Deer Realm” is a paradise for deer spotting. (Photo/Provided by netizen fangchenliou. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Desk / Compiled Report

No need to travel all the way to Nara, Japan for deer viewing. Taiwan offers open spaces where visitors can have close encounters with adorable sika deer. This article rounds up 3 “Taiwanese Nara” spots to soothe your heart with these lovable creatures.

1. Changhua – Lukang Ecological Park
Lukang was named after the many deer that once gathered at its harbor, but deer no longer roam here. In May this year, the Lukang Township Office relocated 7 sika deer to Lukang Ecological Park, aiming to transform the area into a “Taiwanese version of Nara Park.”

In recent years, the Lukang Township Office has actively renovated the ecological park, giving it a fresh look. In addition to creating walking paths, the office chose the site—boasting vast green space—for raising sika deer. The 30-acre park includes deer shelters, water stations, feeding areas, and even veterinary care. Deer spotting in Lukang is now just a visit away.

▲ Pingtung’s “Deer Realm” is home to a large group of friendly deer. (Photo/Courtesy of Deer Realm Paradise Of Deer Facebook fan page)

▲ You can even feed the deer by hand. (Photo/Courtesy of Deer Realm Paradise Of Deer Facebook fan page)

2. Pingtung – “Deer Realm” Sika Deer Ecological Park
The “Deer Realm” Sika Deer Ecological Park is an open farm space teeming with sika deer. You can watch the deer roam freely on the grassy fields. Raised with human interaction from a young age, these deer are friendly and unafraid of people. The park allows visitors to purchase combo buckets of carrots and sweet potatoes or special fodder, and those feeling bold can take close-up selfies with the deer—making it a super healing deer-spotting destination in southern Taiwan.

Location: No. 1097-1, Henggang Rd., Hengchun Township, Pingtung County

▲ “Da Wu Island,” the island beyond islands, is a haven for sika deer. (Photo/ETNEWS file photo)

3. Matsu – Da Wu Island
If you’re looking for Taiwan’s most natural “sika deer paradise,” it has to be Da Wu Island—the island beyond islands. With almost no permanent residents, the island offers sika deer a completely wild habitat. You can spot them in forests, along the shore, and near old houses. On a lucky day, not only can you get up close, but if you encounter friendly deer, you might even get to feed them—making it one of Matsu’s hot new travel spots this year.

▲ Wild sika deer are frequently spotted across “Da Wu Island.” (Photo/ETNEWS file photo)

The Lienchiang County Transportation and Tourism Bureau has launched a new “Qiaozai Fishing Port – Da Wu” ferry route. From now until September 30, there are two scheduled boat trips daily from Qiaozai Fishing Port to Da Wu. The 10-minute ride brings you to the island for a deer-seeking adventure.

Travelers should note that all ferry trips are scheduled for a 3-hour stay on the island before returning to Beigan Qiaozai Pier. For details, please check the Lienchiang County Transportation and Tourism Bureau or Beigan Township Office websites.