Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) is Nara’s most iconic Shinto shrine, founded in 768 AD to protect the city when it became Japan’s ancient capital. Closely associated with the powerful Fujiwara clan, who served as political elites during the Nara and Heian periods, the shrine has long held both spiritual and historical significance. Its architecture is elegant and instantly recognizable, featuring vermilion-lacquered buildings and gracefully sloping roofs. One of its most enchanting features is the hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns lining the paths—donated by generations of worshippers and dramatically illuminated during the Lantern Festivals held each February and August, casting a magical glow over the sacred grounds.

Beyond the free outer precincts and offering hall, visitors can enter a paid area to view the main sanctuary up close. The shrine grounds also include several smaller sub-shrines, such as Wakamiya Shrine, which hosts the vibrant Wakamiya On-Matsuri festival, showcasing centuries-old traditional dance and performance. Another notable site is Meoto Daikokusha, a shrine dedicated to marriage and harmonious relationships. Nearby, the Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden features flora mentioned in the Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, while the Kasuga Taisha Museum houses a fascinating collection of sacred artifacts, offering a deeper glimpse into the shrine’s long and storied past.