Nara Deer Antler Cutting Ceremony (Shika no Tsunokiri) 2026

Dates & time: November 7, 2026 (Sat) - November 8, 2026 (Sun) 11:45〜15:00（開場11:15・最終入場14:30）
Price & booking: ¥1,000 for junior high school age and up, ¥500 for elementary school children (half price for disability certificate holders plus one companion; free for Nara Deer Preservation Foundation members plus one companion) Tickets are sold on the day only; there is no advance booking.
Venue & access: Rokuen deer enclosure antler-cutting arena, Kasuga Taisha grounds (Nara Park) From JR or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the city loop bus about 8 minutes to Kasuga Taisha Omotesando, then walk about 7 minutes. There is no parking at the venue; drivers use nearby paid car parks

There are 5 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Rokuen deer enclosure antler-cutting arena, Kasuga Taisha grounds (Nara Park), and 3 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

Calendar

Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.

Google Calendar Apple Calendar (.ics)

We hope it gives you a reason to head out together.

X FB LINE

Why You Should Visit

A centuries-old Nara tradition in which the antlers of the park's stags are sawn off. It is said to date back to 1672, when the Nara magistrate began it to prevent injuries from rutting males. In the arena at the Rokuen deer enclosure inside the Kasuga Taisha grounds, seko handlers in headbands and happi coats chase down the stags, catch them with ropes and lay them on straw mats, and a priest figure removes the antlers with a saw. It is a rare chance to see the strength of the deer and the teamwork of the handlers up close, and it fits easily into a half day of sightseeing in Nara.

NOTE

Viewing

Full audience turnover between sessions; standing room only
The venue is not barrier-free
No pets and no tripods

The seko handlers

Handlers split roles such as chasing, guiding and roping to catch each stag
Caught deer are given water to calm down before the antlers are cut

* Details may change depending on conditions

History Heritage Culture Art Sightseeing Half Day Family

出典: 奈良の鹿愛護会公式

Kobe · Gluten-free

Events

Where to go next

View Recommended Events →

10/24 - 11/9

The 78th Annual Exhibition of Shosoin Treasures

Nara National Museum, East and West Wings

11/3

Heijokyo Tenpyo Procession to Todai-ji 2026

JR Nara Station – Sanjo-dori – Todai-ji – Kasugano Enchi (Nara Park)

11/3

Kasuga Taisha Gagaku Performance on Culture Day

Floating Stage, Manyo Botanical Garden, Kasuga Taisha, Nara

10/24 - 11/8

Kofukuji Hokuendo Hall Autumn Special Opening

Hokuendo Hall, Kofukuji Temple

Next 10/31 +4 more

Autumn Night Nara: Five World Heritage Sites After Dark

Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, Gangoji, Toshodaiji and Yakushiji

Next 11/7 +6 more

Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks 2026–27 | Weekend Fireworks off Meriken Park

Meriken Park

Next 10/18 +10 more

EAT LOCAL KOBE Farmers Market

Higashi Yuenchi Park, Chuo-ku, Kobe

10/3 - 10/11

Kobe Motomachi Music Week (27th)

Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street (1-bangai to 6-chome) and nearby halls

FAQ

Are there advance tickets or reservations?

No. Tickets are sold on the day only. Doors open at 11:15 and last entry is 14:30.

Does it go ahead in the rain?

It goes ahead in light rain and is cancelled in stormy weather.

Is there seating?

No, it is standing room only with a full audience turnover between sessions. The venue is not barrier-free.