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Kasuga Grand Shrine (春日大社), a Shinto shrine located in Nara, Japan, was established in 768 and is dedicated to the deities responsible for protecting the city of Nara. The shrine is renowned for its exquisite architecture, notably the main hall, adorned with ornate wooden carvings and countless bronze lanterns.
One of the most distinctive features of Kasuga Taisha is the thousands of lanterns that hang throughout the shrine’s grounds. These lanterns, donated by worshippers, are lit twice a year during the festivals of Setsubun Mantoro (February) and Obon Mantoro (August). The shrine’s buildings, embellished with intricate roof ornaments and vibrant colors, make it a popular destination for tourists and photographers alike.
Kasuga Taisha holds deep cultural and religious significance in Japan. The shrine is closely associated with the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri festival, a major event held annually in mid-December, featuring traditional music, dance, and food. The shrine also houses many important cultural artifacts, including ancient documents and art objects that offer insights into Japan’s early history.
Visitors to Kasuga Taisha can explore the shrine’s grounds, admire the lanterns and other decorations, and participate in traditional Shinto rituals such as making offerings and praying for good fortune. Other notable sites within the shrine include the Fujinami-no-ya (Wisteria Hall), the sacred Mount Mikasa, and the Shadow of the Pine Tree. Located in Nara Park, the shrine is conveniently accessible to other important cultural and historical sites, including Todai-ji Temple and the Nara National Museum.
Getting there
From Nara Station to Kasuga Taisha:
| Bus | Nara Station ↓ Bus Number 2 ↓ 5 minutes (4 stops) Kenchoazuma Bus Stop ↓ Walk about 4 minutes ↓ Kasuga Taisha (Cost 250 yen) |
| Walk | About 22 minutes (1.5 km) |
Details
| Hours | March to October / 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM November to February / 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Phone | +81 742-22-7788 |
| Address | 160 Kasuganocho, Nara, 630-8212 |
| Official Website | https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/ |
