Tracing the Legend of Nara’s Sacred Deer | (Chrysanthemums & Wheels Ep.9)

Thanks for watching Chrysanthemums & Wheels Ep.9. According to the legend of Kasuga Taisha, more than 1,200 years ago, a sacred white deer journeyed from Kashima to Nara, carrying the powerful warrior god Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto on its back. The deer brought the protector of Japan’s newly constructed capital to Mount Mikasa, where the sacred landscape of Kasuga began to take shape. In this episode, I trace the legend from the remains of the ancient capital to Kasuga Taisha, Tobihino and the forests behind Nara Park. Along the way, I explore how the sacred deer became connected not only with Shinto, but also with Buddhism through the Kasuga Deer Mandala and the idea of honji suijaku. The journey then continues deep into the mountains, where Buddhist figures were carved directly into the rocks of the Kasugayama forest. I also visit some of Nara’s historic Buddhist temples—including Oka-dera and Hase-dera—to see the hydrangeas blooming across their temple grounds in June. For centuries, the deer of Nara have witnessed the rise of a new nation, the development of different religious traditions, and the arrival of people from all around the world. Today, they remain wild animals, sacred messengers and one of the most beloved symbols of Japan. Locations 📍 Heijō Palace Site / 平城宮跡 🛕 Tōdai-ji / 東大寺 🦌 Nara Park / 奈良公園 🦌 Tobihino / 飛火野 ⛩️ Kasuga Taisha / 春日大社 ⛰️ Mount Mikasa / 三笠山 🌄 Mount Wakakusa / 若草山 🌳 Kasugayama Primeval Forest / 春日山原始林 🪨 Kasugayama Cave Buddhas / 春日山石窟仏 🌺 Oka-dera Temple / 岡寺 💠 Hase-dera Temple / 長谷寺 Huge Appreciation to my Gears: 📷 Sony A7S3 📹 Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 📹 Tamron 70-300mm f4.5-6.3 📷 Dji Osmo Pocket 3 🎤 Maono PD200X 🖥️ Davinci Resolve 🎬Chapters: 0:00-1:26 Welcome to Nara 1:27-3:00 The Legend, The New Capital 3:01-3:53 Enter Kasuga Taisha 3:54-5:18 Deers&Fire in Tobihino 5:19-7:01 Buddhism 7:02-8:06 More Hydrangeas 8:07-11:39 Into the Mountains 11:40-12:32 End #nara #narapark #traveldocumentary #japaneselegends #japanesebuddhism #japanesehistory