Deer are sacred animals in Shinto religion, and on Miyajima they roam around freely anywhere they wish. They are supposed to be wild animals according to the signs, but they seem quite tame to me, and often fearlessly approached tourists hoping to be fed. Seeing them everywhere definitely adds something special to Miyajima's wonderful atmosphere.
- 1 min read
Deer on Miyajima
These four-legged locals will charm you

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

A deer poses for my camera with the big torii in the background

A deer wanders past the big torii as the tide starts to come in

Antlers and handlebars

Resting in the shade of a pine tree

This deer's antlers are still in the velvety stage

Two deer graze the grass at the base of a stone lantern

Deer gathered around the stream under the bridge

An affectionate lick... or is she just after some salt?

I think the deer on Miyajima have a good life

Silhouetted in the evening light

A deer trots past Isukushima Shrine's Noh theater

Keeping the weeds down around Senjokaku

Long neck, big ears, and beautiful eyes

A deer crossing a bridge

In spite of the sign people feed the deer all kinds of inappropriate things, but you wouldn't do that, would you?
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
lisar
10 years ago
Beautiful photo. I enjoyed the free-roaming deer in Nara as well!
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
2
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
3
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
4
An Enriching Getaway in Ome City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
5
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
6
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
7
LUUP: The New Age of Bike Rentals in Japan?
Transportation -
8
Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored -
9
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
10
Mt. Fuji Hike 2025: New Safety Rules & Registration Guide
Shizuoka - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
5
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Tokyo Pride
Tokyo -
9
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
10
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo