Deer on Miyajima

These four-legged locals will charm you

Cathy Cawood Sep 02, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A deer poses for my camera with the big torii in the background</p>

<p>A deer wanders past the big torii as the tide starts to come in</p>

<p>Resting in the shade of a pine tree</p>

<p>This deer's antlers are still in the velvety stage</p>

<p>Two deer graze the grass at the base of a stone lantern</p>

<p>Deer gathered around the stream under the bridge</p>

<p>An affectionate lick... or is she just after some salt?</p>

<p>I think the deer on Miyajima have a good life</p>

<p>A deer trots past Isukushima Shrine's Noh theater</p>

<p>Keeping the weeds down around Senjokaku</p>

<p>Long neck, big ears, and beautiful eyes</p>

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

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.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...