Ah, Miyajima! One of the most photographed spots in Japan. That fantastic torii gate in the sea, the vermilion Utsukushima Shrine, magnificent Mount Misen, those damn deer!
Anyone who has visited Miyajima probably remembers the deer (shika) as much as Utsukushima Shrine or the O-torii gate. The deer are probably the next most photographed image in Japan. With over 2,000 "wild but tame" deer roaming around the island, Miya jima could very well qualify as the world's largest petting zoo.
Miyajima deer are so famous that all the gift shops sell deer souvenirs. The Bambi-like deer are so cute though, you can't help falling in love with them. And that's when they steal you blind. They go straight for your pockets.