Nara Koen

Nara Koen has the city's popular tourist sites. Even so, it is wide enough to accommodate thousands of giggling school children and other Japanese tourists, yet still feel spacious and quiet. Be warned that it is home to many divine messengers of god—the tame deer seen just about everywhere. Legend has it that Takenomikazuchi-no-mikoto, one of the five gods of Kasuga Shrine, once landed atop Mt. Mikasa-yama riding a white deer. Since then these animals have been regarded as sacred messengers of Takenomikazuchi-no-mikoto and have been designated National Treasures. They very quickly convey the message that they want something to eat. Shika-senbei (deer crackers) are for sale throughout the park.