Sep 2, 2014 - 1 min read

Deer on Miyajima

These four-legged locals will charm you

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

A deer poses for my camera with the big torii in the background

A deer wanders past the big torii as the tide starts to come in

Antlers and handlebars

Resting in the shade of a pine tree

This deer's antlers are still in the velvety stage

Two deer graze the grass at the base of a stone lantern

Deer gathered around the stream under the bridge

An affectionate lick... or is she just after some salt?

I think the deer on Miyajima have a good life

Silhouetted in the evening light

A deer trots past Isukushima Shrine's Noh theater

Keeping the weeds down around Senjokaku

Long neck, big ears, and beautiful eyes

A deer crossing a bridge

In spite of the sign people feed the deer all kinds of inappropriate things, but you wouldn't do that, would you?

Deer are sacred animals in Shinto religion, and on Miyajima they roam around freely anywhere they wish. They are supposed to be wild animals according to the signs, but they seem quite tame to me, and often fearlessly approached tourists hoping to be fed. Seeing them everywhere definitely adds something special to Miyajima's wonderful atmosphere.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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lisar

lisar 10 years ago

Beautiful photo. I enjoyed the free-roaming deer in Nara as well!

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