Nara Travel Must-Do｜The Adorable Daily Life of the Sacred Deer

When visiting Nara, it's not just about admiring the ancient capital's scenery—you absolutely can't miss the lively and slightly mischievous deer in Nara Park! These adorable creatures are the iconic mascots of Nara and guardians of a thousand-year history.

🦌 Messengers of the Gods Are Real
The deer in Nara didn't appear there by chance. Back in 710, when Japan's capital was moved to Heijō-kyō, it is said that the guardian deity of the Fujiwara clan, Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, arrived at what is now Kasuga Taisha Shrine riding a white deer. Since then, deer have been regarded as divine messengers, revered and protected by people, and have thrived for over 1,300 years. There's even a legend that if you're lucky enough to spot a deer with white fur on its hind legs, it might be a descendant of the divine messenger and could bring you good fortune.

🍘 Deer Bow and Might Even Nip You
Currently, there are about 1,325 deer in Nara Park, with nearly 800 of them being female—three times the number of males! These Japanese deer (Cervus nippon) are gentle and friendly, especially when it comes to deer crackers, which they can't resist. If you're holding deer crackers, many deer will bow their heads to you, showing their "polite" side. However, if you tease them or delay feeding, the deer might "urge" you by nibbling on your clothes or even lightly biting your backside to remind you to hand over the treats.

🦴 What Are Deer Crackers Made Of? What Do Deer Eat?
Deer crackers are the favorite snack of Nara's deer. Made from rice bran and wheat flour, they contain no sugar or oil, making them healthy and safe. During the peak travel seasons in spring and autumn, daily production of deer crackers can reach 30,000 to 50,000 pieces. Besides crackers, deer also enjoy acorns and grass. However, human food like bread, cookies, and other items containing salt, sugar, or oil can harm the deer and are strictly prohibited.

⏰ A Day in the Life of Nara's Deer
The deer live in separate male and female groups. During the day, they appear punctually like office workers to forage and interact, and at night, they return to their designated resting spots. If you visit in May or June, you might even catch the super-cute baby deer debut event—don't miss the chance to see these adorable little ones!

🍂 Do Deer Look "Messy" During Seasonal Changes?
Nara's deer shed their fur twice a year. In spring, they don a tea-brown coat with white spots for summer, and in autumn, they switch to a grayish-brown or tea-colored winter coat, with the spots disappearing. If you visit Nara between winter and spring (especially from December to April), you might notice the deer looking a bit scruffy, with puffy faces. They're not sick—it's just the shedding season combined with extra fat reserves, making them appear "disheveled."

Whether it's the mythical stories, adorable interactions, or seasonal changes in their appearance, Nara's deer have transcended the category of "animals" to become the most spirited symbol of the ancient capital. When you visit Nara, take your time and enjoy a gentle encounter with these soulful messengers of the gods.

Post by 走跳碰 | Jul 30, 2025