World Heritage Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Category: Shrine
Kasuga Taisha Shrine was established over 1,250 years ago, to enshrine and worship deities to protect the ancient capital of Nara, also known as Heijokyo. During the Nara period (710–784), Nara was the center of Japanese culture as well as the first permanent capital. Many important elements of Japanese art, cuisine, and government were developed here.
Early in the Nara period, Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, the deity enshrined at Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture, descended to Mt. Mikasa on a white deer, in answer to prayers for the protection of the capital. Kasuga Taisha Shrine was built on the mountainside to enshrine the deity, because the mountain is considered sacred ground and climbing it to worship the deity is forbidden. The shrine is located to the east of the ancient capital, in the direction of the rising sun.
The shrine was built by the Fujiwara family, which held important political positions in the Nara period. The Fujiwara was one of four great families that dominated Japanese politics during the Heian period. The Shrine's crest includes a wisteria because it appears on the crest of the Fujiwara clan, and the Shrine grounds are famous for their wisteria blooms.
In addition to its extensive grounds and sacred buildings, Kasuga Taisha Shrine features the largest and best-preserved collection of stone lanterns and bronze hanging lanterns in Japan. Its treasure hall contains important Heian period works of art, while its Man'yo Botanical Garden is home to 200 wisteria plants in twenty varieties.
Address:
160 Kasuganocho, Nara
Access:
10 minutes by bus from JR Nara station
6 minutes by bus from Kintetsu Nara station
Near the Kasugataisha-honden bus stop
12 minutes by bus from JR Nara station
5 minutes by bus from Kintetsu Nara station
10 minute walk from the Kasugataisha-omotesando bus stop
Inquiries:
TEL：0742-22-7788
Official Website
https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/en/about_en/
Map of Temple Grounds
Information about the temple precincts
| Kasugataisha Museum |
| Kasuga Taisha Shrine Garden - Manyo Botanical Garden |
Admission fee:
free
*special entry into the Main Hall, entry into the Kasugataisha Museum, and entry into the Shin-en Man-yo Botanical Garden requires individual fees.
Opening Hours
| 6：30～17:30 | March to October |
| 7：00～17:00 | November to February |
Way of praying
http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/about/worship.html
Sightseeing Spots in the area
| Tegaimon Gate |
| Todaiji Temple |
| Nara Park (Deer Park) |
World Heritage Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
| Todaiji Temple |
| Kohfukuji Temple |
| Kasuga Taisha Shrine |
| Kasugayama Primeval Forest |
| Gangoji Temple |
| Yakushiji Temple |
| Toshodaiji Temple |
| Nara Palace Site |
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