AUTHOR: Nara Park is famous across Japan and around the world for its freely roaming deer, often seen bowing politely to visitors in exchange for a cracker. But behind these friendly encounters is a group of dedicated individuals whose lives are deeply intertwined with these sacred animals—the deer caretakers of Nara Park.
These caretakers, known locally as shika sewanin (鹿世諸人), are not just feeding deer or helping tourists; they are continuing a centuries-old tradition that connects the animals to the city’s spiritual and cultural heart.
A Sacred Connection
The deer of Nara are not your average park animals. According to local legend, a deity named Takemikazuchi once rode into Nara on a white deer to protect the city. Since then, the deer have been regarded as divine messengers, protected and respected by the people.
That sacred status shaped the role of today’s caretakers. Many work under the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation, established in 1948 to oversee the wellbeing of the deer. Their daily routines go far beyond feeding—they care for injured animals, assist with births, educate the public, and ensure the harmony between deer and human visitors.
A Day in the Life
The work starts early. Caretakers patrol the park with trained eyes, checking for limping deer, sick fawns, or conflicts between animals and crowds. During fawning season, they help protect newborns, often in quieter, shaded areas. In the hotter months, they make sure water sources are clean and accessible.
Perhaps the most visible task is the shika senbei cracker sales. While tourists feed the deer, caretakers are always nearby, watching the interactions and gently stepping in if a deer becomes overly eager or a visitor unsure.
Traditions and Ceremonies
One of the most charming events in Nara is the Shika no Tsuno-kiri or the annual deer antler-cutting ceremony. Held each autumn, it is both a safety measure and a cultural display, carried out by trained caretakers. The ritual dates back to the 1600s and is performed with great care, using traditional tools and ceremonial techniques.
Personal Bonds
Many caretakers describe forming deep emotional bonds with the deer. They recognize individual animals by their markings, personalities, and behaviors. Some deer, especially those born under a caretaker’s watch, develop a gentle familiarity that feels almost like friendship.
Visitors to Nara often remember the deer, but rarely know the stories of those who care for them. These caretakers keep a delicate balance alive—between myth and reality, tradition and tourism.
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Blog 2: Must-Visit Temples in Nara Beyond the Tourist Trail
While Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha draw millions each year, Nara is also home to a wealth of lesser-known temples that offer quiet moments of reflection, stunning architecture, and rich history—all without the crowds. If you're looking to explore beyond the typical tourist path, here are some of the must-visit temples in Nara that deserve a place on your itinerary.
1. Hōryū-ji Temple
Located in Ikaruga, just outside central Nara, Hōryū-ji is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the early 7th century, it offers a glimpse into Japan’s early Buddhist architecture. The grounds are expansive and serene, making it a peaceful alternative to the more crowded temples.
2. Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple
This temple was built in the 8th century for the healing of Emperor Shōmu’s wife and houses a powerful statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha. It remains a hidden gem nestled within a quiet residential area of Nara, far from the typical tourist flow.
3. Jōruri-ji Temple
Famous for its tranquil garden and unique nine Amida Buddha statues, Jōruri-ji is one of the few temples in Japan that still retains the layout of a classic Pure Land Buddhist temple. It's a bit of a journey to reach, but those who do are rewarded with an atmosphere of quiet transcendence.
4. Hannya-ji Temple
Known for its wind-blown cosmos flowers in autumn and peaceful atmosphere year-round, Hannya-ji sits just northeast of central Nara. It offers a rare blend of nature and history, with fewer visitors than the major temple circuits.
5. Gango-ji Temple
Once part of Asuka’s great Asuka-dera, Gango-ji was moved to Nara in 718 AD. The worn tiles and moss-covered paths evoke an ancient spirit, and the quiet halls invite introspection and calm.
Why Go Off the Beaten Path?
These lesser-known temples often lack the souvenir shops and tour groups found at the larger sites, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with the architecture, the monks, and the spiritual atmosphere.
Whether you're a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone who enjoys wandering quiet paths, these hidden temples in Nara offer moments of beauty and authenticity.
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