Ancient Gravesites, The Fujiwara, and Sacred Deer.

In the area of Kohata, south of Kyoto City, are 37 ancient grave-sites dating back over 1,000 years. The 'Fujiwara Tombs of Uji', are scattered throughout the area, some in scenic woodland, other, smaller tombs, are tucked away in the middle of residential streets. The area of Kohata was reputed to be a location where kami (gods) were believed to gather. And as the Fujiwara were a dominant aristocrat clan that notoriously ruled behind the scenes of the imperial house it is fitting that they chose a place of high standing for their burials. Video below, at the site of one of the graves and a little history on who the Fujiwara were and some background to the tombs.

Moving from Kyoto to Nara, and deer, the connection is rooted in Shinto mythology, where the deer are revered as sacred messengers of the gods worshipped by the Fujiwara clan. In 768 AD, the Fujiwara established the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, and legend states that the main deity, Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto, the Thunder God, arrived at this location riding a white deer. 

Today the deer are a tourist attraction in Nara, with visitors flocking to buy special snacks that they can then feed to the animals. The deer have become used to the attention, and also expectant in receiving their edible 'gifts' (be wary, if you don't make your offering to the sacred deer, you might get a headbutt! (when they bow, they are not offering thanks, as many posts on social media like to imply, but in fact giving a warning).

Jumping back to Kyoto, Kohata (or Kowata as it is sometimes written). In recent years the deer have been coming down from the surrounding hills and small mounts to the east. And one place where they can be seen quite often is wandering through the woodland areas of the Fujiwara Uji Tomb sites. Pictured above, a male deer at one of the Fujiwara Uji Tombs in Kohata.

Is there a connection between the deer and the Fujiwara in history? Definitely there is, and it's well documented. But is there a Shinto mythological connection today between the Fujiwara and the deer, hence their visiting the Fujiwara tomb sites? Who's to say, maybe, maybe not?

Either way, if you do decide to take a walking tour around the Fujiwara Uji Tombs, remember that the deer that visit here are not used to humans getting close up to them, and they certainly won't be expecting you to feed them. They are wild animals that can attack, though usually they just stare for a while then walk away. The best advice that HIDDEN PATHS offers is, keep your distance, and don't try to interact. Below, video of deer at one of the Fujiwara Uji Ryou Tomb site sin Kohata.

Another regular visitor to the grave sites are Tanuki (pictured right). Just as the deer, they are wild animals, they are cautious of people and if encountered they tend to freeze for a few seconds, maybe waiting to see what your intentions are, before running off on their way.

Access - You can reach the Uji Ryou Fujiwara Tomb Sites from Kohata JR Station on the Nara Line.

Video below, deer on a rainy afternoon at one of the Fujiwara Uji Ryou Grave Sites in Kohata.