Pop Japan

Latests from Japan

Back

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Rate this destination:

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is Nara's most celebrated shrine. It is the head shrine for around 3,000 Kasuga Shrines throughout Japan. In 1998 Kasuga Taisha Shrine was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

It shrines the famous Fujiwara clan and they were also the ones who built the shrine in 768. Fujiwara clan is Japan's most powerful family clan during most of the Nara and Heian Periods.

More About This Destination

Things to see

The main entrance of the shrine is through the Minamimon and past the Temizuya (water fountain and basin), where it is customary to wash your hands.

The shrine is famous for its lanterns which have been donated by worshippers that's why hundred of bronze lanterns can be found hanging from the buildings. There are also smaller auxiliary in the woods around Kasuga Taisha, 12 of which are locared along a path past the main shrime complex and was dedicated to the 12 lucky Gods.

After a short walk from the Kasuga Shrine main complex, visitors can see the Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden that displays about 250 kinds of plants that is mainly consist of plants described in Manyoshu, Japan's oldest collection of poems which dates to the Nara Period.

Lastly in the shrine grounds is the Treasure House which displays shrines relics.

Travel Notes

It is about a 30 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or a 45 minute walk from JR Nara Station. It can also be reached by bus from either station. Get off at the Kasuga Taisha Honden bus stop.

Admission

The shrine opens everyday at 6:00 to 18:00 (April to September), 6:30 to 17:00 (October to March).
Entrance on the outer area of the shrine is free but the inner area fee costs 500 yen.

For the Botanical Garden, it opens 9:00 to 17:00 and until 16:30 from December to February. Closed every Mondays from December to February (Tuesday if Monday falls on a holiday)
Entrance Fee is 500 Yen.

For the Treasure House, it opens 9:00 to 17:00, admission until 16:30.
Entrance Fee is 400 Yen. NOTE: Today, Treasure House is closed until June 2016 for restoration works.

Guide Map

Here at Pop Japan, we pride ourselves on being one of the most passionate promoters of our nation. It is our strong belief that Japan has the ability to offer anyone a very fulfilling life.

Follow Us:

All Rights Reserved © 2016 Pop Japan