45 minutes south of Kyoto lies the city of Nara in Japan where it is home to some to more than 1000 tame deer that are now classified and protected as a national treasure. Based on the reports, deer and humans have long been peacefully existing together in this city.
The relationship goes way back, to the early 12th century, when a nobleman named Kujo Kanezane visited Nara with his family. It was then when his family came across a herd and his young boy got out of his carriage and bowed to the animals, who exchanged a bow back.
Over the years, the deer have been well taken care of by the people of Nara, and have even become quite a tourist magnetism. For more than a century now, Nara has put on a tradition very similar to the fairy tales we have heard in our childhood.
The tradition is called the “Deer Gathering” and once a year, a French horn player stands in the middle of Nara Park and plays Beethoven’s 6th Symphony Pastoral which has turned out to be the animal’s favorite tune.
The adorable creatures come out from every corner, summoned by the song, knowing that they’ll be welcomed with deer crackers once they arrive. The first time that this tradition started was in 1862 when Nara Park opened. The park itself was opened with also with the sound of a horn.
This year’s event will also take place from Dec. 1 to the 14th. However, it may not be easy to attend this tradition due to the pandemic we are in, but it is going to be available through live streaming anywhere on earth. The Japan National Tourism Organization will stream the event at 10 a.m. local time (8 pm. EST) for about 15 minutes. If you miss these events that’s OK. The park will also be hosting more gatherings via live stream. bookmark it for your future travel inspirations.
