Visit Japan Web Kasuga Taisha
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most revered shrine. It was founded concurrently with the capital. It is responsible for safeguarding the city and its people. Additionally, Kasuga Taisha served as the protective shrine of the Fujiwara. It is the dominant family clan in Japan during the Nara and Heian Periods. Similar to the Ise Shrines, Kasuga Taisha underwent periodic reconstruction every 20 years for many centuries. However, this tradition ceased by the end of the Edo Period.
Beyond the shrine’s offering hall, which is open to the public free of charge, there is a separate paid inner area that allows for a closer view of the shrine’s inner buildings. At the furthest point lies the main sanctuary. There are multiple shrine buildings that showcase the distinct Kasuga style of shrine architecture. There’s a sloping roof extending over the front of the building.
Kasuga Taisha is famous for its plethora of lanterns, generously donated by devout worshippers. The site boasts hundreds of bronze lanterns adorning the buildings, with an equal number of stone lanterns lining the approaches. These lanterns are only illuminated twice a year during the Lantern Festivals, held in early February and mid-August.
Surrounding Kasuga Taisha are twelve smaller auxiliary shrines. They are located along a path leading past the main shrine complex and represent the twelve lucky gods. Notable among them are Wakamiya Shrine. It is an important cultural property famed for its dance festival. Meoto Daikokusha can bring good fortune to matchmaking and marriage.
