Located at the base of Mount Mikasa is one of the most sacred sites of Japan, the ancient Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a place dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city and has numerous gods enshrined. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is also famous for its more than 3000 lanterns which have been donated by worshippers since ancient times. Some of these lanterns are 1000 years old with most of them made of bronze and some of stone. These lanterns can be found hanging from the building as well as along the pathway.
Enter the main shrine to see multiple buildings in Kasuga style architecture, with Chinese-style roofs and red, gold, and vermilion decorations. Take a look at the smaller auxiliary shrines in the forests around Kasuga Taisha. Explore other attractions like the Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden and Kasuga Taisha Museum.
Highlights
• Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, considered to be one of the most sacred sites of Japan.
• Admire the distinctive Kasuga style of shrine architecture of the multiple shrine buildings, featuring Chinese-style sloping roofs.
• Look at the thousands of bronze and stone lanterns which have been donated by worshippers over 1000 years.
• Stroll into the Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden, and take a look at more than 250 varieties of plants.
• Visit the Kasuga Taisha Museum to witness beautiful artefacts and relics that are related to the shrines.
How To Reach
By Car: The Kasuga Taisha is located 4.3 km from the city centre, it will take 11 min via the Omiya Street route.
By Bus: Take a bus to Kasuga Taisha Honden bus stop which is 200 m away from the shrine. You can reach the place from the bus station with a 5-minute walk.
By Train: Take a train to JR Nara Station which is 1.5 km away from the shrine. You can reach the location from the train station with a 20-minute walk or a 9-minute drive by car.
Best Time To Visit
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is open throughout the year, so visitors can visit any time regardless of the season.
Best season
The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn. If you visit during the Spring months from March to May, you will be able to watch Nara’s cherry blossoms bloom around the shrine, creating a breathtaking view. If you visit in Autumn from September to November, you will be rewarded with the view of vibrant shades of red and gold foliage around the shrine, offering a picturesque view.
Best day of the week
The best day of the week is from Tuesday to Thursday when the place is less crowded, making it easy to explore the shrine grounds at a leisurely pace.
Best time of day
The best time of the day to visit the shrine is early in the morning, shortly after the shrine opens. You will be able to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the place during this time without much of a crowd.
Other Essential Information
- Smoking is prohibited at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
- You will not be able to take your pets along to the shrine.
- While taking photographs and videos are allowed on the premises, certain prohibitions need to be followed while taking them.
- Check out the visiting hours of different attractions within the premises of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine before you go for a visit.
Admire the architecture of the shrine
Admire the Kasuga-zukuri style of architecture of the early 8th century for which Kasuga Taisha is well known. Look at the Chinese-style roofs whose slopes gently extend over the front of the building and have an upward-curving edge. The unique style of architecture is artistic and blends well with the surrounding forest environment.
Witness Multiple deities enshrined at Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Pay a visit to the main sanctuary of the shrines where the four main deities are enshrined. These include Futsunushi no mikoto, Takemikazuchi no mikoto, Himegami, and Ame no Koyane no mikoto. The popular Wakamiya Shrine hosts the Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival every year. Meoto Daikokusha enshrines married deities and is believed to bring good fortune in matchmaking and marriage.
Look at the beautiful hanging lanterns
One of the most iconic features of Kasuga Taisha is its thousands of lanterns, made of bronze and stone, that adorn the entire place. These lanterns were donated by worshipers over centuries and line the pathways leading to the shrine. There are nearly 3000 lanterns out of which around 2000 are made of bronze which are famous for their beautiful patina.
Take a stroll in Manyo Botanical Garden
A popular spot located within the shrine grounds is the Manyo Botanical Garden, which you will come across while approaching the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Take a stroll in this walled garden and take a look at around 250 varieties of plants. Visit between late April to early May to see the garden bloom with Wisteria flowers and in June to take a look at the Irises.
Explore Kasuga Taisha Museum
The shrine grounds also house the Kasuga Taisha Museum, which is a treasure hall near the main complex. Explore this modern building which displays some of the shrine's relics and also some beautiful artefacts. Look out for some of the attractions of the museum which include rare swords, samurai armour, lacquer boxes inlaid with gold, and artworks.
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