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Founded in 768 (the 2nd year of Jingo-keiun) in the Nara period, Kasuga Taisha is the head shrine of about 3,000 Kasuga shrines across Japan. A representative shrine of Nara, which is a World Heritage Site, it enshrines four deities including Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, and for more than 1,200 years it has drawn devotion as a shrine that protects the prosperity of the nation and the happiness of its people.
Shrine Info
- Enshrined Deity
- Takemikazuchi no Mikoto; Futsunushi no Mikoto; Ame no Koyane no Mikoto; Himegami
- Founded
- Jingo-keiun 2 (768)
- Annual Festival
- Kasuga Matsuri (March); Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri (December)
History & Origins
When the capital was established in Nara, the shrine was founded for the Fujiwara clan as its tutelary shrine, welcoming Takemikazuchi no Mikoto and Futsunushi no Mikoto from Kashima and Katori, and Amenokoyane no Mikoto and Himegami from Kawachi. It flourished greatly under the Fujiwara's patronage and continued to receive deep reverence from the imperial court after the Heian period. The grounds are a component of the World Heritage Site 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara'.
Highlights
About 3,000 lanterns have been dedicated in the grounds. During the Setsubun Mantoro and Chugen Mantoro, all the lanterns are lit, creating a dreamlike scene. The main hall is designated a National Treasure, and the shrine buildings are renewed in the Shikinen Zotai every 20 years. The deer of Nara that live in the grounds are also famous as messengers of the gods.
Visitor Guide
Take a Nara Kotsu bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station and get off at the Kasuga Taisha Honden stop, right by the shrine, or at the Kasuga Taisha Omotesando stop and walk about 10 minutes. The gate is open 6:00-18:00.
Best Season
In addition to the Setsubun Mantoro in February and the Kasuga Matsuri in March, the On-matsuri in December is especially lively. January, when the grass burning on Mt. Wakakusa takes place, is also popular.
Annual Events
- March
Kasugasai (Kasuga Festival)
An imperial festival held on March 13. An imperial envoy is dispatched from the court to pray for the prosperity of the nation and the happiness of its people, making it the most important festival of Kasuga Taisha.
- December
Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri (Kasuga Wakamiya Festival)
A festival held December 15–18, designated a nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. A procession dressed in period costumes parades through Nara City.
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