Kasuga-taisha

Overview

Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara, Nara Prefecture, established in 768 CE to pray for the protection of the capital, Heijō-kyō, and the prosperity of the people. It served as the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara family and is counted among the Twenty-Two Shrines of Japan.

Highlights

• ●The shrine's principal deity, Takemikazuchi, is said to have arrived riding a white deer, which is why deer are regarded as sacred messengers here
• ●The honden (main sanctuary) gave its name to the Kasuga-zukuri architectural style and is designated a National Treasure of Japan
• ●The approach and grounds are lined with a great number of stone and bronze lanterns donated over the centuries
• ●The adjoining Man'yo Botanical Garden cultivates plants referenced in the Man'yōshū, Japan's oldest anthology of poetry

History

The shrine was founded in 768 to enshrine the tutelary deities of the Nakatomi and Fujiwara clans. It has been rebuilt multiple times over the centuries while preserving its traditional form. It has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" and is also designated a Historic Site of Japan.

Map

34.6813, 135.8484 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Walk along the approach lined with rows of stone lanterns toward the shrine grounds
2. 2Visit the National Treasure honden, built in the Kasuga-zukuri style
3. 3Stroll the surrounding grounds where deer can often be seen
4. 4Visit the adjacent Man'yo Botanical Garden to see plants associated with the Man'yōshū

Did you know?

💡 Kasuga-taisha is considered the head shrine of roughly 3,000 Kasuga shrines found across Japan.

Nearby spots