Feeding Deer in Nara, Japan

Location: Nara, Japan

Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler

How do I know it’s ethical?

The deer in Nara are a wild herd. In the Shinto religion, deer are considered holy. These animals are still considered living monuments and held in high esteem by the locals. Killing a deer can result in a harsh jail sentence (it was capital punishment until the 1600s!). The deer are very well cared for, allowed to come and go at will, and even have a rehab area away from the visitors for vet care.

Description of the Experience

Nara is a historical city nestled between Kyoto and Osaka, so when you see a deer lying in the median with cars driving by you might be taken aback. It was initially ‘oh look a deer’ and then as we got closer to Nara Park it was difficult trying to find a spot that there wasn’t a deer!

You can interact at your own will – but remember they’re wild animals after all (and carry other wild animals – like ticks) and can act unpredictably. Don’t worry, it’s easy to make a new best friend (or five) with a packet of deer crackers. They’re sold along the streets and paths for ¥150 ($1.50) a bundle. The deer know who has crackers and who doesn’t.

Many of the deer have learned to bow for a treat, so be sure to bow back and reward them with a cracker. If you tease them, or have your back to one, they may nibble on you to get your attention. If you’re overwhelmed just move away waving ‘bye-bye’ with both hands and many of them know that signal and will leave you alone. Honestly, I could have stayed there all day feeding them!

Company/ Cost

Free (except for the cost of the crackers to feed them!)

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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.

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