While Japan grapples with the challenges of overtourism, one unique beneficiary of the tourist influx stands out: the deer of Nara. This ancient capital, located just outside of Kyoto, is renowned for its UNESCO-recognized historic buildings and its resident deer population, which has become an integral part of the city’s identity and tourism industry.
The Deer of Nara: A Symbol of the City
Nara’s deer are more than just animals; they are emblematic of the city itself. These light-brown colored deer are featured in the city’s tourism advertisements, on public transport tickets, and in a myriad of souvenirs sold in local shops. The deer population has been meticulously documented through a recent census, revealing a total of 1,325 deer, consisting of 313 stags, 798 does, and 214 fawns. This number represents an increase of 92 deer from the previous year.
The Attraction of Nara’s Deer
Tourists flock to Nara not only to see its historical sites, like the majestic Todaiji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures but also to interact with the deer. These deer have become famous for their unique behavior of bowing to visitors in exchange for “Shika Senbei,” special rice bran crackers sold at stalls around Nara Park. This charming interaction draws millions of visitors annually, eager to experience the polite bowing deer first-hand.
Impact of Tourism on Deer Behavior
The relationship between the deer and tourists is complex. Nobuyuki Yamazaki of the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation notes that the increase in tourists and the availability of deer crackers have led to more active reproduction among the deer. However, this interaction is not without its problems. As more deer and tourists converge in Nara Park, incidents of aggression have increased, with some deer becoming too eager and occasionally pushing or biting visitors to get the crackers.
Changes in Deer Behavior During the Pandemic
A study by Nara Women’s University observed that fewer deer bowed during the pandemic when international tourism was halted. This suggests that the bowing behavior, unique to Nara’s deer, developed as a response to the presence and behavior of tourists. Professor Yoichi Yusa, who led the study, hypothesizes that the deer initially bowed due to stress from human interaction but eventually learned to associate bowing with receiving food.
Tourist Challenges in Nara and Japan
The surge in tourism has not been without its drawbacks. In 2022, 9.3 million people visited Nara, a substantial number that underscores the city’s popularity. Post-pandemic, Japan has seen record-breaking tourist numbers, with over three million foreign visitors per month in March, April, and May of 2023. This influx has prompted several destinations to implement measures to manage the crowds and preserve the sites.
Managing Tourism in Japan
To address the challenges of overtourism, Japan has introduced several measures similar to those in Europe. For instance, Mount Fuji has implemented a daily visitor cap of 4,000 hikers starting July 1, 2023, along with a fee of 2,000 yen (approximately $12.40) per person. Additionally, the Itsukushima Shrine near Hiroshima, which garnered attention during a visit by US President Joe Biden in 2023, has started charging an entry fee for the first time in its thousand-year history.
The case of Nara’s deer illustrates the intricate balance between tourism and cultural heritage preservation. While the deer benefit from the increased human presence through more food availability, the interactions also bring challenges that need to be managed carefully. Japan’s efforts to regulate tourist numbers and implement fees are steps towards sustainable tourism, ensuring that both cultural heritage sites and local wildlife are protected for future generations. The ongoing dialogue between preserving tradition and accommodating modern tourism continues to shape the strategies of managing popular destinations worldwide.
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