How to get there?
Nara is located in the Kansai region of Japan. Travelers who are visiting either Kyoto or Osaka can take a day trip to the beautiful Nara. According to the legendary history of Kasuga Shrine, the god Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara on a white deer to guard the newly built capital of Heijō-kyō. Since then, the deer have been regarded as heavenly animals, protecting the city and the country.
From Osaka
Take the JR West or Kintetsu Line from Namba and Tsuruhashi. Do look out for the express trains as it will only take 45mins to get there. Drop off at either the JR Nara Station or the Kintetsu-Nara Station.
From Kyoto
If you are coming from Kyoto, you can choose between the Kintetsu Railways, about 35 minutes on the Super Express Tokyu or the JR West, 40 minutes on the Miyakojima Express. Same as coming from Osaka, drop off at either the JR Nara Station or the Kintetsu-Nara Station.
Nara Park is about a five minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or about 20 minutes from JR Nara Station. Alternatively, the park can be reached by bus. Whenever in doubt, just follow the crowd. Eventually you will start to see deers.
Note worthy things
The general area is surrounded by gift shops and places to eat. So you won’t have to worry about being hungry at Nara. Besides visiting the deers, travelers will also tend to go temple hopping around Nara and explore their wonders. To those who are interested in Buddhism, you can add the
Nara National Museum to your list. To those of you who love to take photos you will be able to find a insta-worthy spot almost everywhere. From alleys with traditional vintage style houses to breath taking views of the park.
I would suggest travelers to travel there during Fall (Oct/Nov) or Spring (Mar/Apr/May). You might want to avoid the Summer (June/July/August) period as it will get hot, and mid-June to late July you can expect lots of rain.
Shika-no-Tsunokiri (Deer Antler Cutting Ceremony)
The Shika-no-Tsunokiri or also known as the Deer Antler Cutting Ceremony happens during the month of October. It is held at the Roku-en deer enclosure which is close to the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine. The event happens on Sundays and holidays throughout the month of October. What will happen is that the deer from all over Nara-koen Park are rounded up and brought to the enclosure to have their antlers ritually sawn off. What happens to the antler after is not being disclosed. I tried asking around and was told “No information given. Followed by the X sign made from crossing ones hands.”
Know before you go
Before being all excited, here are a few things you really need to know before going. Yes, the deers do bow to you when asking for food or when you bow back. But one thing to remember is that, THEY ARE STILL WILD ANIMALS!
Do not feed the deer any other food besides the shika sembei or deer crackers which I call them. You will be able to find little pop up stores everywhere selling them at a reasonable price. Ask for a plastic bag to store your crackers and break the crackers into half before hand. Trust me on this! The “paper” that binds the deer crackers together is edible as it is made out of rice paper and edible ink, safe for the deers.
I would suggest wearing something with BIG pockets as those deers are smart! After a while, they will know where you are hiding your food and will try to stick the snout in to get them. Keep your kids in hands reach at all times of cos.
Oh ya! When feeding, try to feed those who are isolated. You will find yourself enjoying the experience more. It may seem cool but don’t approach a group or feeding one that is near a group as you will find yourself surrounded after a while. The females tend to nibble on you or tug on your clothing to catch your attention. The males will head bud you a little if you ignore him. If you run out of crackers show them your empty hands. Do not run away, just walk off hasty and keep away from eye contact.
Overall I had an amazing experience there and will definitely return to play with the deers again.
Written by Ivannavich
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Ivannation
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