Kasuga Taisha
奈良県
Tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara clan founded by Fujiwara no Nagate in 768 — head of all Kasuga shrines, a World Heritage site illuminated by 3,000 lanterns
Founded
768
Type
Shrine
Visited
Want to go
Access
10 min by bus from Kintetsu Nara Station
160 Kasugano-cho, Nara
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Overview
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 768 (Jingo-keiun 2) by Fujiwara no Nagate as the tutelary shrine of Heijō-kyō and the Fujiwara clan, it enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto, Futsunushi-no-mikoto, Amenokoyane-no-mikoto, and Himegami. The Kasuga primeval forest serves as its sacred precinct, and the approach is lined with about 3,000 stone and hanging lanterns, creating an ethereal landscape. …
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Origins
In 768, Fujiwara no Nagate enshrined four deities — Takemikazuchi of Kashima, Futsunushi of Katori, Amenokoyane and Himegami from Hiraoka Shrine — at the foot of Mt. Mikasa as the tutelary kami of the Fujiwara clan. Through shinbutsu-shugo from the Heian period onward, the shrine and the adjacent Ko…
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Finding a partner, romantic success, marital harmony. Famed at Izumo Taisha, Jishu-jinja, and Kawagoe Hikawa.
Derived from the enshrined deity "武甕槌命・経津主命・天児屋根命・比売神"
祭Festivals & Events— 3
祭
8月
14
Chugen Mantoro
All 3,000 lanterns at Kasuga Taisha are lit in a tradition spanning over 800 years.
もっと詳しく · 2
記Related Articles— 16
記
記
Stone Lanterns: Sacred Light Offered to the Gods and Buddhas
Stone lanterns are among Japan's most distinctive religious and garden elements. Originally imported from the continent as Buddhist offering lamps, they spread to shrines and aristocratic gardens. Kasuga Taisha's 3,000-plus stone lanterns, Itsukushima's hanging bronze lanterns, and Nikko Toshogu's massive bronze examples are among the most impressive. This guide explains their history, types, symbolism, and the best sites to see them.
basics
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記
Kasuga-taisha and the Fujiwara Clan: Vermilion Shrines and Kasuga Faith
Kasuga-taisha, the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara clan, concentrates Heian aristocratic prayer and syncretic Buddhist-Shinto thought in its vermilion halls. This article unpacks the deer, lanterns, and sacred mountain at the heart of Kasuga faith.
basics
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記
Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto: The Deity of Prayer and Divine Words at Kasuga Taisha
Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto is one of the main deities enshrined at Kasuga Taisha, known as the deity of prayer and kotodama (sacred words) who recited norito prayers during the myth of Ama-no-Iwato. As the tutelary deity of the Fujiwara clan, this article explains the background of how Kasuga faith spread nationwide and the deep connections with the deities of Kashima and Katori.
basics
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もっと詳しく · 13
Posts
1
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Danila Galperovich
2026/7/17
Great Shinto Shrine, place of powerful energy and many lanterns
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Visiting Information
Hours
Main shrine precincts: Mar–Oct 6:30–17:30, Nov–Feb 7:00–17:00. Special inner sanctuary worship: 9:00–16:00. National Treasure Hall (Kokuhoden): 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30).
Admission
Free to enter the shrine precincts. Special inner sanctuary worship costs ¥700 (free for junior high age and under). National Treasure Hall: general ¥700, university/high school ¥400, junior high/elementary ¥300.
As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.
Related Spots
Related
Kofuku-ji
The Fujiwara clan temple, operated as one religious complex with the shrine — known as Kasuga-Kofuku-ji — until the Meiji separation of Shinto and Buddhism.
Related
Kashima Jingu
Origin of the principal deity Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto. Invited from Kashima at the founding of Kasuga in 768.
Related
Katori Jingu
Origin of the deity Futsunushi-no-mikoto. Also invited to Kasuga in 768.
Related
Ōtori Taisha
Shrine of the Fujiwara clan enshrining Ame no Koyane no Mikoto, who is also venerated at Ōtori Taisha as Ōtori no Muraji no Oyagami.
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記
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