Unique to Nara

Did you know that Nara is the home to the oldest and largest wooden structure in the world? This building is the Todai-ji Temple, which was built in 728 A.D (Japan National Tourism Organization).

But what have I heard about more than the temples in Nara? Their deer. Yep, you heard me right. Like Bambi. Except, these deer are not as cute. Because people have been giving the deer in Nara park food for so long, they flock to any person with food in their hands. Kind of like the seagulls at the beach when you have french fries-- but these have horns. So why are deer allowed to roam free around Nara?

"According to the legendary history of Kasuga Shrine, a mythological god Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara on a white deer to guard the newly built capital of Heijou-kyou. Since then the deer have been regarded as heavenly animals, protecting the city and the country.

Tame deer walk around the town, especially in Nara Park. Snack vendors sell "shika sembei" (deer biscuits) to visitors so they can enjoy feeding the deer. They nudge, jostle, and even bite for food." (Wikipedia)

The following pictures are the property of Matt Roszak and were taken from his ~kupo707 deviantart page:
Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji temples in Nara Park are pictured along with the famous deer.