This week marks Japan's "Golden Week" holiday, which, combined with it being the first Golden Week since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, has resulted in an overwhelming surge of tourists nationwide. This influx has even triggered unprecedented chaotic scenes in various locations.
In Nara, a city famous for its deer, many Japanese netizens have noticed a surprising change: the deer, which usually swarm around tourists eagerly competing for "deer crackers" (shika senbei), are now showing complete disinterest in these treats. It is believed that during this extended holiday, the deer have likely grown tired of eating so many deer crackers.
The Tourist Explosion During Golden Week
Golden Week is one of Japan's busiest travel seasons, and this year's holiday period has seen tourist spots like Tokyo Station completely overwhelmed with crowds, and places like Enoshima becoming nearly immobile due to the sheer volume of visitors.
Japanese travelers venturing out during this period have lamented the extreme congestion at popular destinations, sharing photos that show throngs of people packed tightly together. This massive influx has been a topic of conversation across social media platforms.
Unusual Behavior of Nara's Deer
In Nara, the usual scene is that deer actively approach tourists, vying for the special deer crackers sold in the area. However, during this Golden Week, many Japanese observers have noted that the deer are largely ignoring tourists and showing disdain for the deer crackers.
One netizen commented, "The deer have grown so tired of deer crackers that they won't even eat them anymore, look at how expressive their faces are!" Others shared their surprise at being left with large quantities of uneaten crackers because the deer simply refused them.
Why Are the Deer Ignoring the Crackers?
It's important to understand that Nara's deer naturally forage for their own food daily. The deer crackers are essentially a snack or treat between meals rather than a staple food. Normally, the occasional feeding by tourists is a welcome treat for the deer.
However, with the unprecedented number of tourists during this Golden Week, the deer are inundated with crackers, leading to a loss of interest. The abundance of treats everywhere has dulled their enthusiasm for these snacks.
Conclusion
The Golden Week holiday this year has not only brought record crowds to Japan's tourist hotspots but also revealed unexpected effects on local wildlife, such as the deer in Nara. Their disinterest in deer crackers highlights how the surge in tourism can impact animal behavior in popular destinations.
As tourists continue to flock to Japan during this revitalized holiday season, awareness and respect for local wildlife and environments remain crucial to preserving these unique experiences for everyone.
