Shrine · Nara Park
Kasuga Taisha 春日大社
Nara's most important shrine, founded in 768 and famous for its roughly 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns; part of the World Heritage site.
Hours6:30-17:30 (Mar-Oct); 7:00-17:00 (Nov-Feb); inner area 9:00-16:00
PriceInner area: ¥700
Kasuga Taisha Museum: ¥500
Manyo Botanical Garden: ¥500
Kasuga Taisha Museum: ¥500
Manyo Botanical Garden: ¥500
Getting thereNara Kotsu bus to Kasuga Taisha Honden; or Kintetsu Nara Station, 25 min walk
Time needed1-2 hours
Best timeEarly Feb and mid Aug (lantern festivals); late April (wisteria)
Address160 Kasuganocho, Nara, Nara 630-8212
Websitekasugataisha.or.jp
About
Kasuga Taisha was the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara clan and protector of the capital. A forest path lined with moss-covered stone lanterns leads to vermilion buildings in the distinctive Kasuga style, with hanging bronze lanterns along the corridors. The lanterns are all lit during the Mantoro festivals in February and August.
Highlights
- About 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns
- Vermilion corridors and Kasuga-style main sanctuary
- Mantoro lantern festivals (early Feb, mid Aug)
- Manyo Botanical Garden with wisteria
Tips
- Outer area is free; the inner area costs 700 yen
- Walk through Nara Park from Todai-ji in about 15 min
- Wisteria peaks in late April to early May
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11
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