In Nara Prefecture, the relationship between the locals and deer is quite special.
In Nara Park, many wild deer roam freely, interacting with tourists and residents alike.
The deer are cherished as symbols of Nara, and people enjoy interacting with them.
Thus, the relationship between Nara residents and deer focuses on mutual respect and coexistence.
According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ database of designated national cultural properties, the deer have been traditionally revered as divine messengers and inhabit the Kasuga Shrine precincts, Nara Park, and its surrounding areas.
They are often seen roaming in herds in the park, seeking food from visitors, adding to the serene atmosphere of Nara.
Despite being wild animals, they are well accustomed to urban settings, making them a rare sight as a congregation of wild animals that can be observed near cities.
Part of the vast grounds of Nara Park is also within the precincts of the Kasuga Grand Shrine.
The deity of the shrine, Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, is said to have arrived from Kashima Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture riding on a divine deer, hence the deer have been carefully protected as messengers of the gods since ancient times. Today, the deer in Nara are still cherished and protected as natural treasures.
While “deer crackers” are famous, the deer in Nara Park are wild animals and find their own food.
Their diet consists predominantly of grass, Miscanthus sinensis, and other grasses and sedge species throughout the year.
Depending on their dietary preferences, they are categorized into two types: “Park Deer” living on the flat terrain of Nara Park and “Mountain Deer” living on Mount Wakakusa, with both types relying heavily on grass as their primary food source.
This heavy dependence on grass sets them apart from wild Japanese deer in other regions.
Deer Calling Ceremony:
“Shikayose” is a traditional event associated with deer, a symbol of the ancient capital, Nara. It involves calling the deer with the sound of a horn, creating a picturesque scene unique to Nara. It originated in 1862 during the completion ceremony of the deer enclosure, where a horn was used. It takes place multiple times each year at Higashimuro (Firefly Field) on the south side of the approach to Kasuga Grand Shrine. When the natural horn starts playing, the enchanting melody lures numerous deer from the depths of the forest, offering a tranquil and refreshing sight exclusive to Nara. Experience this serene scene enveloped in the crisp morning air.