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Kasuga Taisha: Ancient Shintō Site in Nara

  • There are about 1,200 deer living in and around Nara Park.

    There are about 1,200 deer living in and around Nara Park.

  • At the summit of Mount Mikasa stands Hongū Shrine, marking the spot where Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto alighted. The main hall of the shrine is closed to the public, who may pay their respects at the nearby Ukigumo no Mine worship hall to the east.

    At the summit of Mount Mikasa stands Hongū Shrine, marking the spot where Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto alighted. The main hall of the shrine is closed to the public, who may pay their respects at the nearby Ukigumo no Mine worship hall to the east.

  • A procession at the Kasuga Festival. (© Matui Yoshihiro)

    A procession at the Kasuga Festival. (© Matui Yoshihiro)

  • The shrine’s Chūmon, or “middle gate,” has 13-meter-long corridors extending to the left and right that are designated important cultural properties. Worshippers pray in front of the gate, which leads to the shrine’s honden (main hall) beyond.

    The shrine’s Chūmon, or “middle gate,” has 13-meter-long corridors extending to the left and right that are designated important cultural properties. Worshippers pray in front of the gate, which leads to the shrine’s honden (main hall) beyond.

  • The Nanmon, the “south gate” that serves as the main entrance to the shrine, stands 12 meters high, making it the largest of the shrine’s many two-storied gates.

    The Nanmon, the “south gate” that serves as the main entrance to the shrine, stands 12 meters high, making it the largest of the shrine’s many two-storied gates.

  • The main hall of the Wakamiya Shrine employs the same architectural style as that of the Ōmiya.

    The main hall of the Wakamiya Shrine employs the same architectural style as that of the Ōmiya.

  • A giant old-growth cedar measuring 8.7 meters in circumference and towering 25 meters tall stands next to the main path leading to the shrine.

    A giant old-growth cedar measuring 8.7 meters in circumference and towering 25 meters tall stands next to the main path leading to the shrine.

  • The famous sunazuri no fuji is said to have been donated by the Konoe family, direct descendants of the Fujiwara, and is purported to be more than 700 years old. (© Pixta)

    The famous sunazuri no fuji is said to have been donated by the Konoe family, direct descendants of the Fujiwara, and is purported to be more than 700 years old. (© Pixta)

  • The wisteria grove in the Man’yō Botanical Garden. The flowers are in full bloom from late April to early May. (© Pixta)

    The wisteria grove in the Man’yō Botanical Garden. The flowers are in full bloom from late April to early May. (© Pixta)

  • Press officer Akita Shingo explains about the shrine’s stone lanterns. Over 70% of the lanterns still in existence in Japan that predate the Muromachi period are at Kasuga Taisha, which boasts the largest number of lanterns in the country.

    Press officer Akita Shingo explains about the shrine’s stone lanterns. Over 70% of the lanterns still in existence in Japan that predate the Muromachi period are at Kasuga Taisha, which boasts the largest number of lanterns in the country.

  • The oaimichi is thought to be the first shrine path in the country to be lined with stone lanterns.

    The oaimichi is thought to be the first shrine path in the country to be lined with stone lanterns.

  • The stone lanterns on the oaimichi are distinctive for their wooden, cube-shaped fire boxes. In autumn 2022, the firebox of one lantern dating from the Warring States period (1467–1568) was painted in black lacquer, restoring it to its original appearance.

    The stone lanterns on the oaimichi are distinctive for their wooden, cube-shaped fire boxes. In autumn 2022, the firebox of one lantern dating from the Warring States period (1467–1568) was painted in black lacquer, restoring it to its original appearance.

  • One of a handful of stone lanterns carved with the name Kasuga Daimyōjin. The four primary divine beings of Kasuga Taisha are often grouped together as a syncretic, combined deity known as Kasuga Daimyōjin.

    One of a handful of stone lanterns carved with the name Kasuga Daimyōjin. The four primary divine beings of Kasuga Taisha are often grouped together as a syncretic, combined deity known as Kasuga Daimyōjin.

  • Lanterns hang along the east corridor.

    Lanterns hang along the east corridor.

  • The lantern second from left was donated by shōgun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi and the next two by daimyō Tōdō Takatora.

    The lantern second from left was donated by shōgun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi and the next two by daimyō Tōdō Takatora.

  • The shrine is enveloped in a phantasmagorical atmosphere during Mantōrō. (© Matsui Yoshihiro)

    The shrine is enveloped in a phantasmagorical atmosphere during Mantōrō. (© Matsui Yoshihiro)

  • The Fujinami-no-ya Hall Mantōrō is a world of quiet beauty.

    The Fujinami-no-ya Hall Mantōrō is a world of quiet beauty.

  • Moss-covered stone lanterns stand along the approach to the shrine. Deer can often be seen peeking out from the surrounding scenery.

    Moss-covered stone lanterns stand along the approach to the shrine. Deer can often be seen peeking out from the surrounding scenery.

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