Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Shrine

4.5

This is a Shinto shrine located in Nara City. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is the grand head shrine of approximately 1,000 Kasuga shrines nationwide. The origins to the shrine lie in the early days of the Nara period, when Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto from Kashima-jingu Shrine was enshrined at Mt. Mikasa. The main shrine of the Kasuga structure which is a National Treasure has four buildings lined up, and in addition to the majestic and splendid south Gate and middle gate, there are many things such as fine and industrial art objects which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. The Bantoro Festival (Lantern Festival) event is held on the day of Setsubun (Bean throwing night) and on the 14th and 15th of August when around 3,000 stone lanterns and hanging lanterns are lit with fire, and many worshipers come to look at this magical sight.

Spot details

Address: Nara Pref. Narashi Kasuganochou 160 Map
Area: Nara Park Area
Phone: 0742227788
Hours: [Mar.-Oct.]6:30-17:30
[Nov.-Feb.]7:00-17:00
[Special visit in front of the main shrine]9:00-16:00
Closed: open everyday
[Gohonden-mae (special Sundays not allowed)] around 3/8-3/13, 12/20-1/7, Coming-of-age Sunday
Fees: [Special visit in front of the main shrine]
[First yield fee] 500yen
[National Treasure Hall]
[General] 500yen
[University student/High school students] 300yen
[Junior high school students/Elementary school students] 200yen

[Manyo Botanical Garden]
[Adult]500yen
[Children]250yen
Parking Lot: Available(100spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Available (Available only in the smoking area of the parking lot)
Wi-Fi: Available(nara free wi-fi)
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Available
Infant friendly: Available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Itineraries about this spot

Walk around Kitamachi and Naramachi in Nara

1 day(s)

Review

In my top two of Shrines in Japan

Reviewed : 2023.05.17

The local bus can bring you right to the shrine. The bus is a lot like a trolly and there are two companies. One is 220 yen per ride the other is 100 yen per ride. Otherwise, it’s a bit of a walk...
Favourite site in Nara

Reviewed : 2023.04.18

I loved the walk up to the shrine passing all the stone lamps.Very atmospheric Slightly less busy than Todai-jiIf you are into plants and gardens, you can pay to enter Kasuga Taishi Gardens, 400...
Worth visiting

Reviewed : 2023.03.08

I loved this walk - the stone lanterns along the way - forested like my home in N Calif Peaceful and an easy walk from the hustle of crowds