In Japan, the Shinto religion considers deer as messengers of kami. A legend from Nara tells the story of Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, the kami of the Kashima Shrine (in Ibaraki Prefecture), who came to Nara riding a white deer. Since then, all the shika deer (Cervus nippon by the scientific name), are living free and protected in Nara, declared as Natural Monument.
EXIF info:
Nikon D90
Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G
Focal Length: 18mm
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/320s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200