Monday 27 August 2012

Deer in Nara

Konichiwa.... Yokoso Japan!

Deer are everywhere in Nara, Japan. You can almost see them immediately the moment you reach Nara prefecture. You can see them the most at Nara Park and at Todai-Ji (Temple).


According to Nara locals' story, Deer from this area were considered sacred due to a visit from one of the four gods of Kasuga Shrine, Takenomikazuchi-no-mikoto. It was said the god appeared on Mt. Mikasa-yama riding a white deer. From that point, the deer were considered divine and sacred, protecting the city.




Now the Deer in Nara are considered as national Treasures and are protected by the local government. So now the deer roam around the town, especially in Nara Park. Snack vendors sell "Shika Sembei" or Deer Biscuits to visitors so they can feed the deer. But be careful not to have any papers around you, the Deer tend to take a bite on it.




This Deer is waiting for someone to feed it

Photos Courtesy of Forest Han Photography
www.foresthantravel.blogspot.com

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