In Japan's ancient capital, Nara, sacred deer roamed freely through parks and temple grounds during this week's Japan-South Korea summit, capturing the attention of visitors and diplomats alike. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a native of Nara, welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for high-level talks, but the deer remained the stars of the show.
Tourists in Nara Park stopped to watch or feed the animals with special crackers made from flour and rice husks, sold by vendors. When the deer fixed their gazes on visitors, many responded by pulling out crackers and stepping closer. However, not all encounters were gentle; some deer nudged visitors from behind, sniffing backpacks and shopping bags, while others tried to nibble at coat pockets or chew clothing when they suspected food was hidden.
Some visitors appeared nervous but fed the deer anyway, recoiling or letting out brief screams as the animals stepped closer. Others lifted their phones to take pictures. More than 1,000 deer live in the park and surrounding areas, roaming freely across lawns, sidewalks, and temple grounds, resting under trees or gathering near food stalls. A few deer were even seen wandering into nearby shops.
The deer are protected and considered sacred according to local Shinto beliefs. Legend has it that a deity arrived in Nara riding a white deer more than a thousand years ago. Nara, Japan's first permanent capital in the eighth century, is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Todaiji temple and Kasuga shrine.
