Kasuga-taisha Shrine is one of the most pre-eminent shrines in all of Japan. It is a shrine steeped in history and myth. Its origins trace back approximately 1,300 years to the founding of Nara as Japan's capital. In response to prayers for the protection of the capital, the deity (kami) Takemikazuchi-no-Miko journeyed from Kashima in Ibaraki Prefecture on the back of a white deer to the sacred Mt. Mikasa.
In 768 CE, Fujiwara no Nagate, acting under the directive of Empress Shotoku, established the shrine on its current site. Here, four deities were enshrined: Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto, the god of thunder, Futsunushi-no-mikoto, the god of swords from Katori in Chiba, and Amenokoyane-no-mikoto, the god of wisdom alongside Himegami from Hiraoka in Osaka. These divine figures collectively embody Kasuga Daimyojin, a syncretic deity blending Shinto and Buddhist elements and the building of the shrine meant worshippers could pray to the kami without needing to climb to the top of the mountain.
The architectural style of Kasuga-taisha Shrine, known as Kasuga-zukuri, is distinctive for its sloping roofs and elegant simplicity. The shrine complex is a harmonious blend of vermillion columns, white walls, and roofs made from hinoki cypress bark, all set against the backdrop of ancient woods. This aesthetic has been preserved through the centuries by the Shikinen Zotai tradition - a ritual rebuilding and renewal process conducted every 20 years until the Edo period. This practice underscores Shinto's philosophy of renewal and continuity.
Stone & Bronze Lanterns
The shrine is also renowned for its nearly 3,000 lanterns —both stone and bronze— that adorn its grounds and pathways. These lanterns, donated over centuries by worshippers ranging from aristocrats to commoners, serve as enduring symbols of devotion and illumination. The practice of placing stone lanterns along the sandō (approach to the shrine) began here, eventually influencing shrines across Japan.
The oldest stone lanterns date back to the Heian period (12th century), while many of the lanterns are from the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries). Notable contributions include those from Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (1646–1709), the fifth Tokugawa shogun, and Todo Takatora (1556–1630), a prominent Sengoku-period daimyo. Today, approximately 2,000 stone lanterns line the shrine’s pathways, while 1,000 bronze lanterns hang from its corridors and structures. Each lantern is inscribed with dedicatory inscriptions and wishes, reflecting centuries of faith and devotion.
Fujinami-no-ya Hall's Mantoro recreation
Twice a year, during the Setsubun Mantoro in early February and the Chugen Mantoro in mid-August, all 3,000 lanterns are lit at dusk. These events transform the shrine into a glowing tableau of flickering lights amidst the forest's quietude. Historically, the lanterns were illuminated nightly until the Meiji period (1868–1912), when this tradition was scaled back to these biannual festivals. The countless flames lighting up the moss-covered stone lanterns and vermilion corridors is a magical sight. Despite the large number of people that visit the shrine to enjoy these events, the atmosphere is solemn and contemplative. For visitors unable to attend these festivals, Fujinami-no-ya Hall within the shrine complex offers a year-round glimpse into this luminous tradition by lighting over 100 bronze lanterns daily in a darkened room.
Access:
Hours:
Main Shrine Visiting Hours:
March to October: 06:30 - 17:30
November to February: 07:00 - to 17:00
Main Shrine Admission Fee: Free
Special Visit to the Main Hall:
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Special Visit Fee: ¥700
The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri Festival
Held annually from December 15th to 18th, On-matsuri is one of Nara’s most significant cultural and spiritual events. Established in 1136 during the late Heian period, the festival was originally a plea for relief from epidemics and natural disasters. Over time, it evolved into a celebration aimed at ensuring health, prosperity, and agricultural abundance. For nearly nine centuries, the festival has been held without interruption, making it a living testament to Japan’s enduring traditions.
At its heart are the rituals that honor the deity enshrined at Wakamiya Shrine, an auxiliary shrine within the shrine’s complex. The central ceremonies unfold over a 24-hour period beginning at 0:00 on December 17th. Known as the Senko no Gi, concealed behind branches of the sacred sakaki tree and accompanied by music and song, the deity is escorted by priests from Wakamiya Shrine to a temporary shrine called the Otabisho. The return journey, or Kanko no Gi, takes place late on December 17th from around 23:00, marking the festival's conclusion. Both rituals are conducted in near-total darkness, with no artificial light or photography permitted, preserving their sacred atmosphere.
Procession of the Eras
The festival’s most iconic event is the Jidai Gyoretsu (Procession of the Eras), held at noon on December 17th. This grand parade features around 1000 participants dressed in historically accurate costumes spanning Japan’s Heian to Edo periods and approximately 50 horses. People authentically dressed as nobles, samurai, and townsfolk, reenact scenes from Japan’s past as they make their way through Nara’s streets. The procession pauses under a pine tree near the Ichi-no-torii shrine gate where a traditional dance is performed. This pine tree holds particular cultural significance as it is said to be the prototype for the painted pine tree backdrop commonly seen on Noh stages, underscoring the deep connection between Shinto traditions and Japan's performing arts heritage.
Courtesy of Kasuga-taisha Shrine
At the Otabisho, an open-air stage becomes the focal point for performances of traditional Japanese arts. These include kagura (Shinto dance), bugaku (court dance), and sarugaku, an early form of Noh theater. The performances continue late into the night and have been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Interestingly, there is a theory that the term shibai (芝居), meaning theatrical performance, originates from the Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri. Derived from shiba (芝), meaning "grass," and i (居), meaning "to sit," it references the open-air performances held on the open-air grassy stage. Over time, shibai came to describe not only these religious performances but also broader theatrical traditions, again linking the festival to the origins of Japanese theater and performing arts.
Courtesy of Kasuga-taisha Shrine
The Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri is a communal celebration deeply rooted in Nara’s identity as even schools close for the event so local children can participate in the procession. While some elements have evolved—such as updates to costumes reflecting styles up to the 19th century - the festival remains faithful to its origins. For visitors, On-matsuri offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s history and cultural heritage. Beyond its visual splendor and solemn rituals, it’s a vibrant celebration of life in Nara.
The Man’yo Botanical Garden
The Man’yo Botanical Garden is a serene space nestled within the grounds of Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Established in 1932, it is a living homage to the Man’yoshu, Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry. The garden spans approximately 30,000 square meters and meticulously cultivates around 180 species of plants that appear in the text - although modern classifications would put that number closer to 300. Each plant is labeled with its name and paired with the corresponding poem, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and literary history.
The garden is divided into several thematic sections that reflect both poetic and historical significance. Among these are the Wisteria Garden (Fuji-no-sono), home to around 200 wisteria plants of some 20 varieties. The wisteria is the symbol of the Fujiwara clan who originally enshrined their deity at Kasuga-taisha Shrine. The wisteria bloom from mis-April to early-May, drawing tens of thousand visitors to witness their cascading beauty. Other highlights include the Man'yo Garden (Man'yo-en), the Fruit Tree Garden (Kaju-en), and the Five Grain Garden (Gokoku no sato), which showcases grains used for food and plants used for textiles and dyes during the Man’yoshu period.
Twice a year, on May 5th and November 3rd, the garden hosts special events featuring traditional court music and dance, known as gagaku and bugaku. These performances take place on a floating stage set at the end of a tranquil pond.
Hours: April to May: Open every day 9:00 AM – 16:30 PM (Last admission at 16:00 PM)
Closed: June to March: Closed on Tuesdays (open on public holidays and special occasions)
Admission: Adults: ¥700 | Children: ¥300 (middle school age and below)
Access
There are two entrances to the garden: the Main Gate and the East Gate.
Main Gate: Get off at the "Kasuga-taisha Omotesando" bus stop, then walk 3 minutes east along the approach path.
East Gate: Get off at the "Kasuga-taisha Honden" bus stop, located directly by the parking lot. (The East Gate is open only in April and May.)
Office Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: 080-1502-9998
Kasuga Ninai-jaya Teahouse
For those seeking a quiet moment to recharge, the Ninai-jaya Teahouse near the Man'yo Botanical Garden’s entrance, offers traditional Japanese fare such as green rice porridge and persimmon-leaf sushi. This rustic spot complements the garden’s historical ambiance and provides a taste of local culinary traditions.
Their specialty Man’yo-gayu rice porridge is served with seasonal vegetables related to the Man’yo luster, and has an elegant flavor made with kombu dashi and white miso. There are also sweets such as mugwort dumplings, zenzai, and kudzumochi. On sunny days, you can enjoy a meal while feeling the change of seasons in the garden seats full of seasonal flowers and trees.
Address: 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara, 630-8212,
Tel: 0742-27-2718
Hours: 10:30 - 16:30
Closed: Tuesday
(No holidays in April, May, October, or November)
Kasuga-taisha Museum
The Kasuga Taisha National Treasure Museum is a repository of history and art, housing 354 National Treasures and 2,526 Important Cultural Properties.The collection spans courtly art, armor, swords, and weaponry, which are displayed in themed exhibitions throughout the year. Many of these artifacts date back to the Heian period, and this has earned the museum the nickname “The Heian Shosoin”.
Visitors are first greeted by Kamigaki, an installation space designed to evoke the spiritual essence of Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Using water and light, this tranquil exhibit creates a contemplative atmosphere before one enters the main galleries. One installation, Kannabi, features a large water basin that acts as a reflective screen, projecting images of rippling water and Mount Mikasa. Another installation, Kasuga, employs a wire-mesh screen to display video footage of the shrine grounds, immersing visitors in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
On the first floor stands one of Japan’s largest da-daiko drums, towering at 6.5 meters. The floor has been excavated to accommodate its size, allowing visitors an unobstructed view of this vividly painted artifact. The drum, used in performances during the Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri, can also be glimpsed from outside the museum through vertical steel lattice work that frames the hall.On the second floor, the Main Exhibition Room serves as the centerpiece for special displays featuring treasures from Kasuga Taisha’s collection
Adjacent to this is the Small Exhibition Room, which focuses on fine craftsmanship from the shrine’s holdings, including sacred treasures from the main shrine. The display utilises low-reflection glass and integrated lighting, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the artistry and significance of these rare works.
The museum also offers a more relaxed experience at its adjacent Café & Shop KAON. Bright and open, with large glass windows inviting natural light, this space provides a setting for refreshments or light meals. The shop features exclusive museum merchandise and unique souvenirs unavailable elsewhere. Visitors are encouraged to search for the “Millennium Pebble” (Issennen no Koishi), a rare stone displayed within KAON that adds an unexpected touch of intrigue to this peaceful corner.
Hours: 10:00 – 17::00 (Last admission at 16:30 PM)
Admission:
General: ¥700
University and High School Students: ¥400
Middle and Elementary School Students: ¥300
Admission fees may vary for special exhibitions.
Kasugayama Primeval Forest
The Kasugayama Primeval Forest, located behind Kasuga-taisha Shrine, is a rare and ancient ecosystem that has remained largely untouched for over a millennium. Spanning approximately 250 hectares (620 acres), the forest is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" and has been protected as a sacred area since 841 CE, when Emperor Ninmyo prohibited hunting and logging within its bounds. This preservation has allowed the forest to retain its primeval character, making it one of the few remaining examples of an ancient woodland so close to an urban center.
This area is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, with over 800 tree species, more than 100 bird species, and at least 1,100 confirmed insect species. It also holds cultural significance as a historical training site for monks during the Heian to Kamakura periods. Remnants of this past, such as stone Buddhas and Jizo statues, can be seen scattered along the walking paths, although they are located in restricted forest areas.
The sacred status of Kasugayama is deeply tied to Kasuga-taisha Shrine. The forest is considered a restricted area, believed to be inhabited by gods. The shrine conducts over 2,200 rituals annually, including some held deep in the forest that only priests attend. This spiritual connection has helped conserve the forest for centuries.
In 1955, Kasugayama Primeval Forest was designated a Special Natural Monument by Japan’s government, and in 1998 it was recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The primeval forest of Mt. Kasuga is a restricted area, and visitors are only allowed to walk on designated paths. It is strictly prohibited to venture off these paths. You can only explore the ancient landscape by strolling along the designated walking trails that weave through the ancient forest.
The Rokuen Deer Enclosure
The deer of Nara Park, designated as a National Natural Treasure, are an iconic presence in Nara. Over 1,200 of these animals roam freely, accustomed to human interaction. Within this setting, the Rokuen Deer Enclosure, operated by the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation, serves to temporarily house and care for injured or unwell deer, with the goal of returning them to the park. They also work to educate visitors (particularly school groups), and host events that present the bond between humans and these revered animals.
Kojika Kokai: Presentation of the Fawns
Between May and July, pregnant deer are brought to Rokuen to give birth in a secure environment. During this time, the Kojika Kokai (Presentation of the Fawns) in held, in which visitors can view newborn fawns within the enclosure. Held every day from June to mid-July, from 10:00 - 16:00, it draws families and enthusiasts alike for an intimate glimpse into the early lives of these animals. Once fawns are old enough, they are released into Nara Park with their mothers.
Shikayose: Deer Calling
Following this, in July August, Summer Shikayose (Deer Calling) takes place every Sunday morning at Tobihino—a grassy expanse near Kasuga-taisha Shrine. A natural horn player summons the deer with Beethoven’s 6th Symphony Pastoral, drawing both new fawns and older deer to be fed. This free event is a favorite for photographers and visitors alike.
In winter, Shikayose continues against a serene wintery backdrop. The Nara City Tourism Association Winter Shikayose event takes place every Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10:00 but it does not take place on January 1st, 2nd or 3rd, the day before the Wakakusa Yamayaki Mountain Burning, or the day of the mountain burning itself.
Shikayose lasts approximately 15 - 20 minutes.
Shika no Tsunokiri: Deer Antler Cutting Ceremony
In September to November’s breeding season, male deer (bucks) can become aggressive toward humans and other deer. To prevent injuries and accidents, their antlers are ceremonially removed in the Shika no Tsunokiri (Deer Antler Cutting), held annually since 1672. The event begins with 3 bucks being herded into Rokuen’s oval field. Teams of seko (deer wranglers) use a bamboo implemet called a cross and ropes to subdue each buck before laying it on a straw mat cushion. The antlers are then sawed off which are later laid before to the shrine’s deities.
Though dramatic, this process is painless - the deer's antlers are fully grown by September and as such, no veins or nerves are running through their antlers. There is no bleeding when they are cut and the deer feel no pain. Tsunokiri is held over a weekend in November each and every year. The Rokuen Deer Enclosure embodies Nara’s commitment to preserving its deer population while fostering education and upholding tradition. From fawn presentations to centuries-old traditions like Shika no Tsunokiri, it connects visitors to the cultural heritage of these remarkable wild animals.
Kasuga-taisha Shrine
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara," Kasuga-taisha Shrine continues to be an integral focal point of Japan's cultural and spiritual heritage. It hosts over 2,200 festivals annually and maintains daily rituals that echo traditions dating back over a millennium. Whether drawn by its historical significance or its tranquil beauty, Kasuga-taisha Shrine offers an enduring glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heart - a place where myth and history converge beneath the ancient trees of Nara.
Author: NARA Visitor Center & Inn