Nara Park’s 660 hectares of primaeval forest are home to world-famous cultural properties. It is on the Wiki page HERE and has 1200 domesticated deers. They are not home pets; their wilderness can sometimes lead to a scary encounter in Nara Park.
IT ALL STARTED WELL.
On that day, the air was crisp, the sky blue. The trees were in entire autumn colours. It was my second time visiting Nara Park. I went toward Kasuga Taisha Shrine, avoiding the main structure to avoid the tourists. I wandered in the narrow cobble alley amongst the sub-shrine; worshippers donated the stone lanterns lined up along the path. The deer were warming up under the ray of sunshine passing through the canopy of centenary trees. I took pictures of the peaceful deer roaming freely everywhere on my way. The legend says the god of thunder ( Takemikazuchi ) arrived on a white deer in Nara to guard the new capital.
SWEET ENCOUNTER
I came across Japanese families all dressed up, children of about four or six years old in colourful kimono carrying a long paper bag. They were here to celebrate Shischi-go-san (7, 5 and 3 are lucky numbers). Back then, it was believed that the pure souls of the kids these ages were still not attached to the current world and could go back. So, reaching these ages successfully calls for celebrations and gratitude duly observed at the shrine. In the bag was a long candy cane called Chitose Ame.
SCARY ENCOUNTER IN NARA PARK
Then, turning around the corner, he stood facing me in the middle of the lane, wearing his antlers as a crown. He was so majestic that I risked kneeling before him for a photo. I use my telephoto lens, taking care not to get too close. Then I slowly stand up and walk on the side toward him to mind my business. But the alley was narrow, so he got annoyed and tried to give me a headbutt. I managed to avoid his pointed antlers by good reflex and sheer luck.
There are signs at the park entrance to teach people about the risks. The deers are tame, but they are not pets. Also, autumn is the matting season, and males may be more nervous than usual.