snack time

It's probably fair to say that many tourists come to Nara 奈良市 because of its population of friendly deer, knowing little or nothing of the city's amazing architecture or history. I'd hope, though, that once they get there they discover the rest. It would be entirely possible, for example, to visit just the main park and see the deer, walk around a bit, notice the perimeter walls of Tōdai-ji 東大寺 but never realise what's inside. More on that later.
The deer, called sika deer ニホンジカ (or 日本鹿, literally “Japan deer”), are undoubtedly an integral part of the aesthetic though, and add a lot of fun to the city as well!
Above, one smartly waits next to a vendor selling deer crackers.