Deer live in such harmony with humans in Nara, Japan that they bow when you give them treats!

The Japanese love their animals, and this is especially the case in Nara where people and deer live in harmony.

Legend has it that when the god named Takemikazuchi arrived from his quarters in Ibaraki to Kasuka Grand Shrine in Nara to serve as the old capital’s protector, and that the deity was sighted on a magic white deer. Ever since, deer around Nara are deemed sacred by the people. In fact, the offense of killing a deer was punishable by death up until the 16th century, with the last recorded case being witnessed in 1637.
It’s not that the deer have any divine status in Japan, but they are designated a national treasure of the country. In the streets of this old capital, chances of bumping into a deer are as high as you would a person. And they do do their part in feeding graceful animals. You’ll encounter numerous vendors and vending machines selling deer crackers. They’ve been exposed to hundreds of years of special treatment, but unlike humans, they deer are so well-mannered and socialized that they will bow (a slight nod of the head) when they are given treats.