Miyajima Deer
Miyajima is a little town on the island of Itsukushima, which is a short distance offshore in the Seto Inland Sea and south of Hiroshima. The island is well-regarded as one of the most scenic spots in Japan. There are many highlights for sight-seers, but the most famous is the 16 meter high 'floating' Great Torii gate.
Somewhat less well-known are some of the island's permanent residents: a herd of tame deer.
The well-fed deer are exceptionally fearless and are free to roam. Once the ferries from the mainland let off crowds of visitors, some deer mingle and will approach tourists hoping for food.
The curious animals will even eat stray possessions. Tourists must guard their programs, maps, and other paper, so a wandering deer doesn't nibble it.
