Nara’s amiable deer congregate among the moss-covered shrines—which can be visited on our Japan’s Cultural Treasures adventure.
Question: Where in the world can you feed wild deer known as sacred messengers of the gods?
Answer: Nara, Japan
The distinctive city of Nara, Japan is filled with many ancient treasures, but what is especially enchanting about this timeworn community are the wild, yet friendly, deer that roam. More than 1,000 of them hang out around town, looking for treats from visitors and posing stoically in front of the grand temples.
Long before the capital of Japan was Kyoto and Tokyo, Nara was the center of it all. It was during this time that one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples was built here. Todaiji or the "Great Eastern Temple" was built in 752 and served as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan. Its main hall contains one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha—which stands at an impressive 52 feet tall—among many other valuable artifacts. Nara is also home to Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden temple gate constructed in 1203. Collectively these shrines, temples, and ruins are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to Shinto legend, the mythical god Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara upon a white deer to guard the newly built capital. Ever since then, deer have been viewed as heavenly animals sent to protect the city and country. For centuries, harming these "helpers of gods" was a crime so serious it was punishable by death.
The deer are nicknamed bowing deer because of their unique quirk of bowing to visitors. If you bow your head, they may reciprocate as they have learned they are likely to get food if they do so. They love to snack on special crackers called shika senbei which can be purchased from vendors for about $2. The deer have also learned that standing in front of the temples while visitors snap photos will earn them extra attention and treats. Once your crackers are gone and you wave goodbye at them, some will understand and wander off.
More Emblematic Animals of Japan:
- Koi—the fish of courage: Japanese have been breeding brightly colored koi fish for centuries. In Japanese legends, the koi fish represent courage and perseverance.
- Butterfly—a reflection of the soul: The butterfly represents the incarnation of the soul of the deceased. Many Japanese believe that the spirit of the dead takes the form of a butterfly to enter eternal life.
- Crane—the bird of peace: Often represented on fabrics and papers, the crane is a sacred animal that represents loyalty and love. After the tragedy of Hiroshima in 1945, the crane became a symbol of peace with millions of origami cranes decorating Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park.
- Frog—the figure of good fortune: Frogs and toads are called "kaeru" which means "return." Because of this, the amphibians are said to bring good luck to travelers. Many travelers will carry frog amulets for a safe return home.
- Turtle—a symbol of longevity: The turtle represents longevity and is a good omen in Japanese culture. The animal is the subject of many legends representing a long life dating back to the Nihon-Shoki, a very old work on the origins of Japan and the dynasty.
Amiable deer congregate among the moss-covered shrines of Nara—which can be visited on our Japan’s Cultural Treasures adventure.
