亮点
- 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
由来与背景
Begun in 1672 (Kanbun 12) 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.
The 2026 Shika no Tsunokiri (deer antler-cutting ceremony) is held over two days, Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, 2026, at the Roen antler-cutting arena on the grounds of Kasuga Taisha (Nara Park). Hours on both days are 11:45-15:00 (doors 11:15, last entry 14:30).
According to the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation's official site, the ceremony, "usually held in October," moved to November from 2025; 2026 is also a November event, with no October session.
Event overview (official)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 7 (Sat) and 8 (Sun), 2026 |
| 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 |
Source: Nara Deer Preservation Foundation (checked September 22, 2026). Dates and details are subject to change.
What the ceremony is
In autumn, stags become aggressive during the rut. The antler-cutting began in 1672 (Kanbun 12) on the orders of Nara magistrate Mizoguchi Nobukatsu to prevent injuries from deer antlers, and has been handed down for about 350 years since the Edo period. 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 or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the bus to the Kasuga-taisha Omotesando stop and walk about 7 minutes. There is no parking at the venue (paid lots are nearby).
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- From JR or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the bus to the Kasuga-taisha Omotesando stop and walk about 7 minutes. There is no parking at the venue (paid lots nearby). 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. 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
温馨提示
Same-day tickets only; standing room, full audience change between sessions. Doors 11:15, last entry 14:30. Held in light rain, cancelled in stormy weather. No parking at the venue (paid lots nearby).
常见问题
- When is the 2026 deer antler-cutting ceremony in Nara?
- November 7 (Sat) and 8 (Sun), 2026 — two days. Hours on both days are 11:45-15:00 (doors 11:15, last entry 14:30). It was usually held in October, but moved to November from 2025 (Nara Deer Preservation Foundation).
- 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 or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the bus to Kasuga-taisha Omotesando and walk about 7 minutes. There is no parking at the venue (paid lots nearby).
- How much does it cost to watch?
- Same-day tickets only: adults (junior high and up) ¥1,000, children (elementary) ¥500 (official). Standing only, with a full audience change between sessions.
- 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).
交通
Roen antler-cutting arena, Kasuga Taisha grounds (Nara Park) — 160-1 Kasugano-cho, Nara, Nara Prefecture