About Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha Shrine, founded in 768 (Jingo-Keiun 2), is a representative ancient shrine of Nara. As the head shrine of approximately 3,000 Kasuga shrines nationwide, it has long been revered by the imperial court and the Fujiwara clan. In 1998, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.”
The main hall, supported by vermilion pillars, is a prime example of the Kasuga-zukuri style of shrine architecture. Approximately 3,000 stone lanterns and hanging lanterns are dedicated within the shrine grounds, and during the “Mantoro” (Ten Thousand Lanterns) festival held in February (Setsubun) and August (Obon), a fantastical scene unfolds as all the lanterns are lit.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Main Hall and Special Visit
While regular visits are limited to the middle gate, a special visit (offering fee of 500 yen) allows you to pass through the corridor and proceed closer to the main hall. Seeing the hanging lanterns suspended from the vermilion-lacquered corridor up close is an experience unique to special visits.
Wakamiya Fifteen Shrines Pilgrimage
The “Wakamiya Fifteen Shrines Pilgrimage,” centered around Wakamiya Shrine located south of the main shrine, is a popular course that allows you to visit 15 subsidiary shrines and minor shrines, offering prayers to deities who grant various wishes in life. A special goshuincho (stamp book) is also available (1,000 yen).
Shinen (Shrine Garden) Manyo Botanical Garden
The garden, spanning approximately 3 hectares, is home to about 300 species of plants mentioned in the Manyoshu (an ancient collection of Japanese poetry). The wisteria blossoms, especially from late April to early May, are breathtaking, and the “Wisteria Garden,” with its approximately 200 wisteria trees of 20 varieties, is a must-see.
Benefits
Kasuga Taisha Shrine enshrines four deities: Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto, and Himegami.
- Good Fortune & Protection from Evil: Powerful protection from evil by Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto
- Matchmaking & Marital Harmony: Matchmaking by the divine couple Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto and Himegami
- Academic Success: Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto is also worshipped as a god of wisdom
- Traffic Safety: From the legend that the gods arrived from Kashima Shrine riding on a white deer
Access
Access by Train & Bus
- From JR Nara Station/Kintetsu Nara Station: Approximately 10 minutes by Nara Kotsu Bus “bound for Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine,” get off at the last stop
- Walking from Kintetsu Nara Station: Approximately 25 minutes (walking path through Nara Park)
Access by Car
- Meishin Expressway: Approximately 60 minutes from Kyoto Minami IC
- Dai-ni Hanna Expressway: Approximately 15 minutes from Horai IC
- Parking: 100 spaces for buses and cars combined (paid)
Basic Information
- Address: 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
- Visiting Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM (may vary depending on the season)
- Special Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Admission Fee: Free for the grounds, 500 yen for special visits, 500 yen for the Manyo Botanical Garden
- Official Website: https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/
Nearby Attractions
Around Kasuga Taisha Shrine, you’ll find many of Nara’s representative tourist spots, including Todai-ji Temple (15-minute walk), Kofuku-ji Temple (20-minute walk), and Nara National Museum (15-minute walk). Enjoy a day exploring the history of the ancient capital while interacting with the deer in Nara Park.
