LEBO TLADI


ENDEARING DEER IN NARA





GETTING ATTACKED BY DEER
12 March 2022



4 min read



In Isolation





Realising that my contract here in Wakayama ends in August 2024, I have decided to explore the entire Kansai region before I leave this area of Japan. Living in a somewhat isolated environment, I am aware that it won't be an easy task due to the limited frequency of train services throughout the day and the considerable distance and travel time required to reach the major cities. However, I am determined to gradually explore the wonders of Kansai.



An Ancient Capital





About a week ago, on a cold and rainy Friday, I hopped into my car and embarked on a journey to Nara City in Nara Prefecture, one of Japan's ancient capitals. Besides the charming sight of the city's majestic deer freely wandering the streets, Nara boasts remarkable temples and artwork dating back to the 8th century when it served as Japan's capital. Additionally, I was eager to sample the local specialities that Nara is known for. Being conveniently located near Kyoto and Osaka, I knew I could easily catch a train for a night of fun, as Nara City lacks a vibrant nightlife scene and environment.



Night Views





I had arranged to meet my friend in the city for dinner and some sightseeing. However, due to awful weather conditions, our sightseeing plans had to be adjusted. After I checked into the hotel, we rendezvoused at a yakitori restaurant for dinner. Yakitori is usually my go-to choice as it offers a reliable and satisfying meal. Following our meal, we embarked on a nighttime drive up Mount Ikoma to catch a stunning view of the city.


Standing atop a high mountain or in a towering building always reminds me of my insignificance in the grand scheme of things. The sheer number of buildings and the multitude of people within them within just one city is awe-inspiring. It's a humbling experience to consider the vastness of societies within countries and continents. Despite the biting cold on the hill, the night view was breathtakingly beautiful and, as always, it left me with a sense of wonder.



A Step Back in Time





I dedicated the following day to exploring the city centre. Unlike Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, Nara has only a few high-rise buildings, mainly hotels. Navigating the city was effortless and not at all exhausting. After indulging in a hearty breakfast from the hotel's buffet, I ventured out with my friend, who graciously offered to be my guide.


As a local from southern Kyoto and a graduate of Nara University, I was amazed by her extensive knowledge of the city. I was also grateful for the omiyage she gifted me. Our itinerary for the day included visiting Todai-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, Toshodai-ji Temple, and Nara Park, and exploring the charming back alley streets of the city. These sites hold great cultural significance and are part of Nara's UNESCO World Heritage site. I must admit, some of these temples were colossal and transported me back in time. The immaculate cleanliness of the temple grounds and the grandeur of the Buddha sculptures and structures left a lasting impression on me.


The ingenuity of ancient civilizations never ceases to astound me. After enjoying a delightful lunch at a local bakery, I decided to take a stroll through the city since my friend had to depart for a meeting.



Endeering Deer





As mentioned earlier, Nara is home to a charming population of deer. Fortunately, Japan lacks land predators (except for the occasional bear), otherwise, these hungry creatures would always have full bellies, as the deer wouldn't stand a chance against swift and cunning hunters.


The deer in Nara are considered sacred beings. According to legend, the god Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara on a white deer to protect the ancient capital. Since then, Nara's deer have held a sacred status, serving as guardian angels safeguarding the city. Any harm inflicted upon them is severely punished. Frankly, I fail to comprehend why any rational person would want to harm these adorable and friendly animals. Getting along with Nara's deer is incredibly easy. They know how to bow to request shika senbei (deer crackers), they bow in gratitude for the treats, and they sometimes understand basic traffic rules. However, they can become overwhelming and assertive if they spot you holding shika senbei or any other enticing food (whatever they consider delicious). So, I quickly learned to exercise caution and be prepared for their persistent attention. Nonetheless, it was all love, fun, and games. I hadn't experienced such joyous interactions with animals in quite some time, and it was a delightful reconnection with nature in its purest form.



Osaka Nights





After enjoying a warm and satisfying Italian dinner and sunset, I made my way to Osaka for a night of vibrant nightlife with an old acquaintance, Ayaka. It had been two years since I last saw Ayaka when we initially met at Balabushka Bar in Osaka. Following a 45-minute train ride, I finally arrived at Namba Station in the heart of Osaka. I headed towards Balabushka, our designated meeting spot, and reunited with her after two years. Our conversations during the evening made me seriously contemplate the idea of living in a bustling urban environment, a thought that has been on my mind lately.



Nachi Bloom





The following day, while driving home in the rain, I had a realization: it's possible to have a tremendous amount of fun in a short period. Create and embrace small moments of enjoyment, and embrace spontaneity. In my native language, Sepedi, we say "monate wa itirela," which means "you make your own fun." With this mindset, I decided to embark on a quick day trip to Nachikatsuura town the following weekend. Waterfalls bring me immense solace, and each visit to Nachi waterfall feels as awe-inspiring as the first. The vibrant pink Japanese plum blossoms stood out, exuding a captivating fragrance and displaying the blessings of recent rains.


Once again, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to travel and explore breathtaking places alongside the remarkable individuals who enrich my life. I can't help but wonder, where will my next adventure in Kansai take me? Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter.



IMAGE GALLERY





POWER SPOT



GREEN AND BROWN



GREAT SOUTH GATE



ENDEERING DEER



SARUSAWA POND



Todai-ji



DAIBUTSU (BUDDHA VAIROCANA)



ANCIENT GROUNDS



STRIKING CONTRAST ON A SUNNY DAY



NARA DEER PARK



REFLECTION



MAKE WAY FOR THE DEER



NARA'S VALLEY



SNACK KEEPER



NAKATANIDOU'S MOCHI



MT IKOMA NIGHT VIEW



HAZY SUNSET | BIKE RUN



PINK UME BLOSSOMING



KUMANO-NACHI TAISHA I



KUMANO-NACHI TAISHA II



THE FLORAL PATH I



THE FLORAL PATH II



NACHI WATERFALL



MANICURED BLACK PINE



ENTRANCE



NACHI GROUNDS



NACHI FALLS' PAGODA



IN THE MOUNTAINS I



IN THE MOUNTAINS II



SYMMETRICAL



IN BLOOM



HIGH DROP



KUMANO KŌDO



TREE LOVER



Kū-KAI'S THIN SEAFOOD PIZZA



MASAMI'S TUNA BOWL (MAGURO DON)



MASAMI'S GRILLED SALT SEA BREAM



MASAMI'S NIGIRI



ŌHASHI'S SEA BREAM SASHIMI



ŌHASHI'S WHALE TATAKI



ŌHASHI'S GRILLED SEA BREAM



ŌHASHI'S RAMEN



ŌHASHI'S TUNA BOWL (MAGURO DON)



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