Highlights
- Seko handlers with red flags drive stags into the arena
- Opens with a safety prayer by Kasuga Taisha priests
- A Nara tradition dating back to 1672, about 350 years
Background & story
Begun in 1672 on the orders of Nara magistrate Mizoguchi Nobukatsu to prevent injuries from deer antlers, the ceremony has been handed down for about 350 years; the cut antlers are offered to the deity.
Dates for the 2026 Shika no Tsunokiri (deer antler-cutting ceremony) had not been officially announced as of September 18, 2026. It is usually held in October, but in 2025 it took place in November.
For 2025, the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation's official site said the ceremony, "usually held in October," would be held in November, adding "there is no October event." According to the Nara City Tourism Association, the November 9, 2025 session was cancelled due to weather. This page will be updated once the 2026 dates are announced.
The 2025 edition (official)
| Item | 2025 details |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 8 (Sat) and 9 (Sun) — the 9th was cancelled due to weather |
| Hours | 11:45–15:00 (doors 11:15, last entry 14:30) |
| Venue | Roen antler-cutting arena, Kasuga Taisha grounds (Nara Park), 160-1 Kasugano-cho, Nara |
| Admission (same-day tickets only) | Adults (junior high and up) ¥1,000; children (elementary) ¥500 |
| Seating | Standing only, full audience change between sessions |
| Weather | Held in light rain, cancelled in stormy weather |
Sources: Nara Deer Preservation Foundation and Nara City Tourism Association (both checked September 18, 2026). The 2026 dates, times and prices have not been announced.
What the ceremony is
In autumn, stags become aggressive during the rut. The antler-cutting began in 1672 on the orders of Nara magistrate Mizoguchi Nobukatsu to prevent injuries from deer antlers, and has been handed down for about 350 years. It opens with a safety prayer led by Kasuga Taisha priests, after which "seko" handlers carrying red flags drive stags with large antlers into the arena. According to the foundation, the antlers have no blood vessels or nerves at this time of year, so cutting them causes no bleeding or pain. The cut antlers are offered to the deity.
Getting there
From JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the city loop bus about 8 minutes to the Kasuga-taisha Omotesando stop, then walk about 7 minutes. On foot from Kintetsu Nara Station it takes about 30 minutes. There is no parking at the venue (paid lots are nearby).
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- From JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the city loop bus about 8 minutes to Kasuga-taisha Omotesando, then walk about 7 minutes (about 30 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station). Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- Same-day tickets only: adults (junior high and up) ¥1,000, children (elementary) ¥500 (2025 rates). Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families
Good to know
2026 dates had not been announced as of September 18, 2026. It is usually held in October, but the 2025 ceremony took place in November, so check the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation's site before planning. Same-day tickets only; standing room only.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the 2026 deer antler-cutting ceremony in Nara?
- The 2026 dates had not been announced as of September 18, 2026. The Nara Deer Preservation Foundation says it is usually held in October, but in 2025 it was scheduled for November 8 (Sat) and 9 (Sun) — the 9th was cancelled due to weather — and in 2025 there was no October event.
- Where is it held?
- At the Roen antler-cutting arena on the grounds of Kasuga Taisha in Nara Park (160-1 Kasugano-cho, Nara). From JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the city loop bus about 8 minutes to Kasuga-taisha Omotesando, then walk about 7 minutes.
- How much does it cost to watch?
- In 2025, same-day tickets only: adults (junior high and up) ¥1,000, children (elementary) ¥500, standing only with a full audience change between sessions. 2026 prices have not been announced.
- Why are the antlers cut?
- To prevent injuries from stags, which become aggressive in the autumn rut. The practice began in 1672 on the orders of the Nara magistrate and has continued for about 350 years (Nara Deer Preservation Foundation).
Getting there
Roen antler-cutting arena, Kasuga Taisha grounds (Nara Park) — 160-1 Kasugano-cho, Nara, Nara Prefecture