Japan Guide
Nara
Nara-kōen
The city's main sights are all gathered on the eastern edge of the green expanse of Nara-kōen. The large, grassy areas of the park are kept trim by more than a thousand semi-wild deer. They were originally regarded as divine messengers of one of Kasuga-jinja's Shinto gods, and anyone who killed a deer was liable to be dispatched shortly after. During World War II the numbers dwindled to just seventy beasts, but now they're back with a vengeance – which can make picnicking difficult and presents something of a hazard to young children. In particular, try to avoid areas where vendors sell special sembei (crackers) for feeding the deer.