Nara was Japan's first permanent capital starting 710 AD, with sacred deer protected since 768 AD

Nara was Japan's first permanent capital starting 710 AD, with sacred deer protected since 768 AD. Nara was Japan's first permanent capital established in 710 AD, before Tokyo and Kyoto Nara held the title of capital for only 74 years before it moved to Kyoto The deer of Nara Park have been present for approximately 1,300 years

Nara became Japan's first permanent capital in 710 AD, holding that title for 74 years before the court relocated to Nagaoka-kyō in 784 (and later to Kyoto in 794). The deer roaming Nara Park today have been there roughly 1,300 years, considered divine messengers of the Shinto gods and protected by imperial decree since 768 AD. Harming one was historically a capital offense! 🦌

Key Facts

• Nara was Japan's first permanent capital established in 710 AD, before Tokyo and Kyoto
• Nara held the title of capital for only 74 years before it moved to Kyoto
• The deer of Nara Park have been present for approximately 1,300 years
• The deer are considered sacred animals and divine messengers of the Shinto gods
• Deer in Nara have been protected by imperial decree since 768 AD
• Harming a deer in Nara was historically a capital offense

Source: Japan's Hidden History & the Ancient Philosophy That Explains It All by Wandering Wolf