Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Nara’s Sacred Forest Shrine of

Three Thousand Lanterns

Kasuga Taisha is an important Shinto shrine in Nara, located at the foot of Mount Mikasa within the wider landscape of Nara Park. Official sources explain that the shrine was established in 768 by imperial order and became closely associated with the Fujiwara family, who played a central role in the political life of ancient Nara. The shrine is dedicated to four principal deities, and its buildings are well known for their distinctive vermilion color and Kasuga-style architecture. It is also widely recognized for the many bronze lanterns in the shrine precincts and the stone lanterns that line the approaches. Because Kasuga Taisha forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara,” it is important both as an active place of worship and as a cultural site within the sacred environment of Kasugayama. For visitors, it offers a clear introduction to Shinto ritual, court culture, and the religious history of Nara.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Kasuga-taisha Shrine to life.

People ascending steps towards a traditional Japanese temple, surrounded by stone lanterns and trees.
A collection of moss-covered stone lanterns and monuments in a traditional Japanese garden or temple setting surrounded by trees.
Traditional Japanese shrine with orange and black wooden structure, lanterns, and a fence in the foreground, surrounded by trees under an overcast sky.
A deer grazing on mossy ground in front of a traditional Japanese temple with hanging lanterns.
A covered walkway with wooden beams and posts, lined with traditional Japanese lanterns on both sides, leading to a couple walking in the distance, surrounded by greenery.
A traditional Japanese temple with hanging lanterns, surrounded by trees and natural scenery.
Two small traditional Japanese shrine structures with curved roofs, situated outdoors among trees and rocks.
Row of ornate gold Japanese lanterns hanging along a temple wall.
Several traditional metal lanterns hanging in a row in front of a wooden lattice wall at a Japanese temple or shrine.
A traditional Japanese shrine with a multi-tiered roof, painted in red and black, surrounded by lush green trees. A staircase leads up to the shrine, and a group of people is walking near the entrance. The scene is set on a cloudy day.
Multiple illuminated traditional Asian lanterns with geometric patterns hanging indoors, casting a warm glow.
Traditional Japanese shrine with red wooden structures and stone pathway, surrounded by trees.
Traditional Japanese temple building with red wooden framework and multiple hanging lanterns, stone steps in front, and a no smoking sign.
Small deer standing on stone steps in front of a traditional Japanese shrine with red wooden gates and a deer warning sign to the right.