Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha

Formerly known as Kasuga Shrine, Kasuga Taisha is located within Nara Park in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It enshrines deities including Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto, and Himegami, and serves as the head shrine of all Kasuga Taisha shrines across Japan. It is said to have been established in the second year of the Wado era (710 AD) by Fujiwara no Kamatari and is one of Japan's oldest and most renowned shrines. In 1998, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara."

Despite its long history, Kasuga Taisha still retains many ancient structures, including the main hall, Kashiwade Hall, Haiden (offering hall), Maidono (dance hall), Sake Hall, Kudo (kitchen hall), treasure house, and Chodoin (arrival hall). The main hall consists of four parallel shrine buildings that appear even more majestic against the backdrop of the vermilion corridors and the lush, towering ancient trees in the grounds, making it the most eye-catching feature of the shrine. In addition to these historic buildings, the shrine also preserves 3,000 stone lanterns, hanging lanterns, and 3,000 cultural artifacts, among which 520 have been designated as national treasures. The shrine holds its annual regular festival on March 13th, attracting numerous worshippers from across Japan.

Kasuga-taisha

Must-visit reason: One of Nara’s oldest shrines

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Nara Prefecture [Nara Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Nara City [Nara]