Kasugataisha Shrine

※Unauthorized reproduction of images on this page is prohibited

The Kasugataisha Shrine lies in a primeval forest. The brilliant vermillion edifices beautifully contrast with their surrounding greenery. Going through the first and second Torii gates, you can see many stone lanterns standing on both sides of the approach to the shrine. Going on further, you will reach the main hall. From the gate, a corridor extends to the left and to the right. A great number of lanterns hang from the eaves of the corridor, which are lit twice a year (2/3 and 8/14-15).

When the capital was transferred to Nara in 710, the Fujiwara clan celebrated a mass for the family's tutelary deities, which is considered to be the origin of this shrine. 

The shrine was established here in 768. Like the Kofuku-ji Temple, it prospered along with the Fujiwara family even after the capital moved to Kyoto. After the Middle Ages, this belief was prevalent among ordinary people, as shown by the fact that the dignitaries and ordinary people donated various hanging and stone lanterns.

The tutelary deities enshrined here are Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto from Kashima of Ibaraki Prefecture, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto from Katori of Chiba Prefecture, Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto and Himegami from Hiraoka of Osaka Prefecture.


(10 minutes' walk from the bus stop Kasuga Taisha Omote Sando of Loop Line Bus of the city)

Related articles

Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/deer
Nara's World Heritage Sites
Nara's World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narapark
Special feature on the proper etiquette to observe when visiting Shinto shrines and temples: What are the differences between temples and shrines? What must you avoid doing? This feature explains all these and more!
Special feature on the proper etiquette to observe when visiting Shinto shrines and temples: What are the differences between temples and shrines? What must you avoid doing? This feature explains all these and more!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/manner

Related itineraries

Perfect for spring drive & World Heritage fans! Itineraries to Enjoy World Heritage Sites in Nara Prefecture, Visiting Mt. Yoshino and Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara
Perfect for spring drive & World Heritage fans! Itineraries to Enjoy World Heritage Sites in Nara Prefecture, Visiting Mt. Yoshino and Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_12.html
Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights to enjoy Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka to the fullest
Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights to enjoy Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka to the fullest
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_13.html
A Fresh Morning in Nara to Clear Your Mind
A Fresh Morning in Nara to Clear Your Mind
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_20.html
Walking around World Heritage Sites in Nara to Fully Enjoy Its Attractive Features
Walking around World Heritage Sites in Nara to Fully Enjoy Its Attractive Features
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_28.html
A Daytime Trip to the “Treasured Buddhas” & Nara’s High-Grade Sake
A Daytime Trip to the “Treasured Buddhas” & Nara’s High-Grade Sake
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_39.html
Enjoy the Charms of the Osaka-Kansai Expo and Nara: A 2-Day, 1-Night Model Course Walking Through World Heritage Sites
Enjoy the Charms of the Osaka-Kansai Expo and Nara: A 2-Day, 1-Night Model Course Walking Through World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_46.html

Events

Takigi O-Noh A mysterious world lit by firelight
The Takigi O-Noh performance is Nara's most traditiona…
Takigi O-Noh A mysterious world lit by firelight
See More
Deer Antler-Cutting Ceremony (Shika no Tsunokiri)
The Deer Antler-Cutting Ceremony is a traditional event he…
Deer Antler-Cutting Ceremony (Shika no Tsunokiri)
See More
Meiji-sai/Bunka no hi Manyo Gagaku-kai / Kasugataisha Shrine
The Meiji-sai festival, held to honor Emperor Meiji's …
Meiji-sai/Bunka no hi Manyo Gagaku-kai / Kasugataisha Shrine
See More
Magnificent Shinto ritual performing arts and Jidai Gyoretsu (procession of people in historical costumes): Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri
The Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri is a regular festival of the…
Magnificent Shinto ritual performing arts and Jidai Gyoretsu (procession of people in historical costumes): Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri
See More
Summer Deer Gathering 'Shikayose'/Tobihino
If you will wake up early in the morning in summer time up…
Summer Deer Gathering 'Shikayose'/Tobihino
See More
Chugen Mantoro Festival/Kasugataisha Shrine
During this festival, approximately 3,000 lanterns on the …
Chugen Mantoro Festival/Kasugataisha Shrine
See More
Winter Deer Gathering 'Shikayose'/Tobihino
If you will wake up early in the morning in summer time up…
Winter Deer Gathering 'Shikayose'/Tobihino
See More
Spring Deer Gathering 'Shikayose'/Tobihino
If you will wake up early in the morning upon your visit i…
Spring Deer Gathering 'Shikayose'/Tobihino
See More

General Information

Address
160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara, 630-8212
contact details
+81-742-22-7788
Fax Number
0742-27-2114
Times
Opening Hours:
March to October: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
November to February: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

■National Treasure Hall
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)

■Kasuga Taisha Shrine Manyo Botanical Garden
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
Closed
■Treasure Hall: Closed except during three annual special exhibitions.
■Kasuga Taisha Shrine Manyo Botanical Garden
・April-May: Always open
・June-March: Closed on Tuesdays
(Should national holidays fall on a Tuesday, the garden will be closed the following day)
Access
From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station:
Take a bus bound for Kasuga Taisha Honden. The ride takes approximately 11-15 minutes. Get off at "Kasuga Taisha Honden," and it’s a short walk from there.
Alternatively, take the city loop bus (outer loop) for about 9-13 minutes. Get off at "Kasuga Taisha Omotesando," and it’s about a 10-minute walk.
Car Park
Space for 100 vehicles.
Parking fee for cars: 1,000 yen
Parking fee for buses: 3,000 yen
Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
Visitors are permitted to move freely about the temple grounds.
Main Hall (Hon-den) Entrance Fee: 500 yen

■Treasure House Entrance Fee:
Adults: 500 yen
University students: 300 yen
High school students: 300 yen
Junior high school students: 200 yen
Elementary school students: 200 yen

■ Kasuga Taisha Shrine Manyo Botanical Garden Entrance Fee:
Adult: 500 yen
Children: 200 yen
Admission/Worship Fees (Group)
Group fees apply to groups of 20 or more.

■Treasure House Entrance Fee:
Adult: 400 yen

■Kasuga Taisha Shrine Manyo Botanical Garden Entrance Fee:
Adult: 400 yen
Events
Kasuga Festival (Sarumatsuri): March 13th, 9:00 AM onwards.
Rice-Planting Ritual: March 15th, 11:00 AM onwards.
Mizutani Shrine Chinka-sai (Flower-Placing Festival): April 5th, 10:00 AM onwards.
Tea Offering Ceremony: May 10th, 11:00 AM (For Urasenke School, starts at 10:00 AM).
Takigi O Noh Performance: Third Friday and Saturday of the Month.
Nikku Hajime-shiki narabi ni Kofukuji Kansu Sha Sanshiki (Beginning of the Year Rituals): January 2nd, 10:00 AM onwards.
Kagura Hajime-shiki (Beginning of Kagura Rituals): January 3rd, 11:00 AM onwards.
Gokito Hajime-shiki (Beginning of Prayers Rituals): January 7th, 10:00 AM onwards.
Bugaku Hajime-shiki (Beginning of Bugaku Rituals): Coming of Age Day, 1:00 PM onwards.
Setsubun Mantoro: February Setsubun Day, 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Chugen Mantoro: August 14th and 15th, 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three Festival): Mid-October to late November.
Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri: December 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th.
Seasonal Flower Information
・Camellia: Early February to early April, Approximately 100 varieties (About 300 trees) within Manyo Botanical Garden garden.
・Japanese andromeda: Late February to mid-March.
・Wisteria: Mid-April to mid-May, Approximately 20 varieties, 200 trees, within Manyo Botanical garden and throughout the precincts. The best time to see the "Sunazuri no Fuji" wisteria, as it is called, is early May.

※The name "Sunazuri no Fuji" comes from the fact that its flower clusters extend over one meter in length by early May and droop to touch the ground, resembling sand pouring down.
National Treasure
4 main buildings of shrine and others
Website

Kasugataisha Shrine Official Website

Remarks

Tip: Every year from January to March, the "Beginner Course in Miko Training to Experience Japanese Tradition" is offered, providing an opportunity to delve into Japanese tradition.

Recommended

Recommended articles

Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/deer
All About the Great Buddha
All About the Great Buddha
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/daibutsu
Nara's World Heritage Sites
Nara's World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/gourmet
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/naramachi
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narapark
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/cherryblossoms
The Four Seasons in Nara
The Four Seasons in Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/seasons
Takigi O-Noh: A mysterious world lit by firelight
Takigi O-Noh: A mysterious world lit by firelight
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/takigiono

Nearby Sightseeing Spots

You Might Also Like

Kohfukuji Temple
Kohfukuji Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10029.html
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narapark
Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/deer
Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10001.html
Nara's World Heritage Sites
Nara's World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
Chugen Mantoro Festival/Kasugataisha Shrine
Chugen Mantoro Festival/Kasugataisha Shrine
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10262.html
Yakushiji Temple
Yakushiji Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10007.html
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/cherryblossoms
Perfect for spring drive & World Heritage fans! Itineraries to Enjoy World Heritage Sites in Nara Prefecture, Visiting Mt. Yoshino and Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara
Perfect for spring drive & World Heritage fans! Itineraries to Enjoy World Heritage Sites in Nara Prefecture, Visiting Mt. Yoshino and Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_12.html
to top