The story appears on

Page A11

March 29, 2020

GET this page in PDF

Free for subscribers

View shopping cart

Related News

Home » Sunday

Nara deer have streets all to themselves

TOURS are canceled. Restaurants are empty. And centuries-old temples are quieter than usual in the ancient capital city of Japan, hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

All of Nara is suffering with its UNESCO World Heritage Site listed temples shuttered as Japan fights the virus.

All except the deer. The daily life of the town’s treasured animal remains virtually unchanged.

While most deer stay within the boundaries of their grassy park, some wander off to gift shops and restaurants across the street from the park.

The deer have the right of way, and drivers honor it.

Fewer tourists only means a bit more competition for sugar-free treats or “deer crackers,” which are mostly made of wheat flour.

A stack of crackers runs out fast when a dozen deer swarm around a generous feeder, nodding their heads as if they are giving a Japanese-style bow.

When done feeding, simply hold up your empty hands toward the deer. They will magically disperse.




 

Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

沪公网安备 31010602000204号

Email this to your friend