Deer Gathering (Shika-yose) Winter 2026 (Nara Park, Tobihino)

About this event

Held at Tobihino in Nara Park, "Shika-yose" (Deer Gathering) is a signature Nara Park event where deer are called in from the forest by the sound of a natural horn and treated to acorns once gathered. The winter 2026 session runs from December 1 to December 14 (not held on December 13). It is held daily at 10:00 AM and concludes in about 15 minutes. Admission is free and no reservation is required. The event will proceed in rainy weather, but may be canceled in case of severe storms. The event is hosted by the Nara Prefecture Hotel and Ryokan Environmental Health Trade Association, and conducted by the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation. When the natural horn echoes, the spectacle of dozens to over a hundred deer dashing in unison toward Tobihino from the direction of the Kasugayama Primeval Forest is breathtaking, and getting to see herds of deer that are normally close by running in full stride is an experience unique to this Shika-yose event. Visitors can also enjoy watching the gathered deer being treated to acorns. Because it is free and requires no reservation, it is recommended to visit first thing in the morning and then extend your trip to Kasuga Taisha Shrine or Todai-ji Temple afterward.

Venue

Tobihino

8 Kasuganomachi, Nara, Nara 630-8212