Oh Deer!

Scarier than they look...

So you are wondering what is so scary about deer? No one was afraid of Bambi. In fact, deer all over the world are considered a timid animal that it is nearly impossible to get close to. Also, deer are found all over the world, how could this be unique to Japan?

Well, the deer in Japan, specifically in Nara, are much different than the typical deer.  Years of walking free through the town, mixing with tourists, roaming free much like the cows of India they fear nothing.  It also doesn't help that all around Nara there are food stands that sell sembei crackers to feed the deer.  They breed, run around everywhere and sometimes even attack children.  But despite all that, they are cute!

It was interesting to me that I would walk through the temples and see a family of deer just hanging out by the tori (gate).  Or when I was thirsty and was getting a can of coke from the vending machine a deer stood by and watched me struggle with my change.

So if you ever go to Nara, make sure you have no food in your pockets unless you want to get harassed by a swarm of deer. And don't forget to take a picture with the deer because in almost every other country you might not have the chance. Only in Japan..