Kansai · NaraCultural
A centuries-old autumn ceremony in which Nara Park’s wild male deer are herded into a ring and have their antlers trimmed, to prevent injuries during the rutting season.
Overview
Men called seko catch each stag by hand, and a Shinto official cuts the antlers in a rite that dates back more than 300 years. It is a rare chance to see a traditional ceremony involving Nara’s famous free-roaming deer up close.
When and Where
The 2026 ceremony is held on November 7 and 8, from 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Rokuen enclosure beside Kasuga Taisha in Nara Park.
Getting There
Rokuen is roughly a 15 to 20 minute walk through Nara Park from Kintetsu Nara Station, or a short bus ride toward Kasuga Taisha.
What to Expect
Teams of seko in happi coats corner a stag and safely subdue it, and an eboshi-capped official saws off the antlers — performed with considerable ceremony and skill.
Tips for Visitors
Sessions run within the listed hours, so arrive before the last admission at about 2:30 p.m. It combines easily with Nara Park, Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha.
Access and Map
| Dates (2026) | November 7–8 (11:45–15:00) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Rokuen, beside Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park |
| Access | 15–20 min walk from Kintetsu Nara Station |
| Admission | ¥1,000 (junior-high and up), ¥500 (elementary) |
| Official site | Nara City Tourism |
Source: Nara City Tourism (official)
Image: Photo: https://www.flickr.com/people/merec0/ / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
