If you're ever in the Hiroshima area in Japan, make time to visit Miyajima Island. arguably one of the most scenic spots in the country. Aside from being the location of Itsukushima shrine, traveling here is a pleasant experience because of the deer population.
In some places, deer are mostly shy and tend not to interact with humans. But the deer in Miyajima Island are different. They're completely tame, you can pet them and give them food, and while you're touring the whole island you can walk beside the deer and take lots of pictures.
Miyajima Island is full of historical shrines and old buildings. Some of them, like the Itsukushima shrine, are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Miyajima deer love hanging out at the shrine, they are protected by Japanese laws and according to local folklore, they are deemed as a messenger of the gods.
They are considered as a national treasure by the Japanese. Killing them is a serious offense and convicts are treated harshly.
An estimated 1,500 deer are said to be living on the island. They mostly settle at Nara Park, a 500-hectare of space full of old historical shrines and stone lanterns. You'll see hundreds of them lounging on the grass or taking a nap, and if you approach them they'll sniff you for food so it's best to bring some when you want to pet them.
A lot of other activities are usually in store in Miyajima Island. A day tour is usually suggested because there's not much to do here after dark. From Hiroshima, you can take a ferry to the island, and you can hire a local tour guide to help you explore the whole place. Try their local cuisine and explore all the historical sites in the area. The views are nothing short of remarkable.
As for the deer, make sure to say goodbye to them before the end of your visit. They're some of the cutest animals on earth, and who knows when you'll get to see one again?
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
