Kasuga Taisha
春日大社
The family shrine of the Fujiwara clan, featuring 3,000 stone lanterns along the approach and bronze hanging lanterns inside. Its vermilion corridors are set in the primeval forest of Mount Kasuga. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kasuga Taisha sits at the eastern edge of Nara Park, at the foot of Mount Kasuga. It was founded in 768 as the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara clan and enshrines four deities, including Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto. According to legend, the main deity arrived from Kashima on a white deer, which is why the deer of Nara are regarded as messengers of the gods. The approximately 1.3 km main approach begins at the First Torii and passes through forest and herds of deer. Along both sides stand about 2,000 moss-covered stone lanterns, all offered by generations of worshippers. Once you enter the vermilion-colored corridors, about 1,000 bronze and iron hanging lanterns hang from the eaves. The vermilion of the corridors and main shrine contrasts sharply with the deep green of the surrounding primeval forest. The main sanctuary is rebuilt every 20 years under the shikinen zōtai system. Inside the corridors, a special worship area lets you see the lanterns and main sanctuary up close. The Fujinami-no-ya room permanently recreates a dim scene of thousands of lanterns illuminated, making it a popular photo spot. During Setsubun in early February and the Mantoro Lantern Festival on August 14–15, all the lanterns are lit at once. Arrive early in the evening and expect to queue. On the grounds, the Manyo Botanical Garden grows plants mentioned in the Man’yōshū. It is most beautiful when the wisteria blooms, from late April to early May (admission 500 yen). The National Treasure Hall of Kasuga Taisha houses many swords, armor, and musical instruments from the Heian period (500 yen). Worship is free, and special worship inside the corridors costs 500 yen. Getting there: it is about a 25-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or take a bus to “Kasuga Taisha Honden.” Allow about 1 hour. Note: photography of the main sanctuary is prohibited, especially of priests and rituals. Do not climb the stone lanterns. The primeval forest of Mount Kasuga is part of the World Heritage site, and access to its trails is restricted, so do not enter without permission.
Opening hours
March–October 6:30 AM–5:30 PM; November–February 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (special worship 9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Nearby sights
- Shin-Yakushi-ji
- Nara Park
- Tamukeyama Hachiman-gu
- Todai-ji Nigatsu-do & Hokke-do
- Ukimido Pavilion
- Himuro Shrine
- Isui-en Garden
- Mount Wakakusa