Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Nara’s Sacred Forest Shrine of

Three Thousand Lanterns

Founded in 768 during the Nara period, Kasuga Taisha is one of Japan’s most iconic Shinto shrines, deeply tied to the ancient capital’s history and spirituality. It was established by the powerful Fujiwara clan to enshrine four Shinto deities, protect the capital, and ensure national prosperity. For over 1,200 years, this sacred site has been a spiritual heart of Nara.

What makes Kasuga Taisha especially unique are its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, donated over centuries by worshippers. Twice a year—during the Mantoro Lantern Festivals in February and August—these lanterns are all lit, casting an ethereal glow that draws visitors from around the world.

Surrounded by the ancient Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the shrine also reflects Japan’s harmonious relationship with nature. Visitors often encounter freely roaming sacred deer, considered messengers of the gods, along the approach to the shrine.

Whether you're drawn by its history, sacred atmosphere, or natural beauty, Kasuga Taisha offers a profound glimpse into Japan’s Shinto traditions and Nara’s cultural legacy.

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.