The deer of Nara Park are a protected species of more than 1300 years, developing calm, friendly traits yet remaining completely wild.
As Japan’s nature capital, Nara is home to some of the most scenic parks, forests, and ponds in the country. Beautiful wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and Japanese raccoon dogs also inhabit these lands. The famous deer of Nara Park are a popular tourist attraction, known for their friendliness and elegance as well as their Japanese-style bowing etiquette.
Pet Them Gently
It’s not rocket science, but be careful not to apply too much pressure when petting the deer, especially the younger ones.
Avoid touching their face, particularly areas around the eyes and nose, as this will make them flinch and irritate their senses.
You could also pet their backs if the opportunity presents itself, but if the deer show resistance to the petting, you’d best cease it immediately to avoid further aggravation.
Only Feed Them Shika Senbei Crackers
It is absolutely essential that you only feed the deer shika senbei or “deer crackers” from the local sellers at Nara Park. They’re just a few hundred yen for a big stack, and they are designed specifically for the nutritional well-being of the deer. Sadly, some foreign visitors have a bad reputation for feeding them food from convenience stores or leaves from tree branches, so don’t be that foreigner!
Treat the Little Ones with Care
You’ll notice a rather wide variety of deer at Nara Park, ranging from big, strong males to the more elegant females, and right down to the innocent little baby deer.
Truthfully, you can apply a little extra strength with the male deer, as they are typically unfazed by a firm hand; in fact, they exert plenty of aggression themselves, so do be on guard!
As for the females and children, it is essential that you approach and make contact as gently as possible, and try to feed them when they are isolated from the male deer, who are always looking to forcefully intercept.
Establish Warmth through Bowing
Here is a video demonstration of a successful deer-feeding moment featuring this gentleman from Sydney, Australia. Even while resting, the deer are always keen to eat some delicious crackers, but only if you approach in a soft and gentle manner. They are also more willing to be petted by you when you’ve fed them a cracker, so keep that in mind!
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