What other travelers are saying about Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is one of Nara’s most beautiful and atmospheric spiritual sites, offering a peaceful escape into history and nature. Hidden within an ancient forest, the shrine is famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that line the pathways and hang from its vermilion-colored structures.
Visiting feels like stepping into a timeless world, where Shinto tradition, quiet beauty, and sacred woodland all blend into a deeply calming experience.
The approach to the shrine, passing through the Nara Park grounds with its gentle wandering deer, is just as memorable as the destination itself. Inside the complex, the bright red buildings contrast beautifully with the green surroundings, creating striking views for both reflection and photography.
Whether you visit during the soft light of morning or the golden glow of late afternoon, Kasuga Taisha leaves a lasting impression of serenity, elegance, and spiritual depth.
Decided to make this my first stop since it opens earlier than Todai-ji. Kasuga Taisha covers a pretty huge area, with many different parts aside from its main hall with signs guiding you along. I reached here before the opening hours, you can still explore most of the areas except for the main hall. If I remember correctly the entrance fee for the main hall is 800 yen, it also gives you access to the dark latern room, which I personally think it was just alright. Bought a fortune which comes with a deer figure, but I ended up breaking one ear when I was walking around so please store it with care hehe.
Lots of lanterns and a place where people get married apparently. Saw a very beautiful procession I did not take photos of, as it is not polite. After the shrine there are a lot more small shinto shrines along a beautiful forest path.
Enormous shrine and a beautiful one. Since I only had a few minutes because I had to go back to my hotel to check-out, I had to be rather quick and I regret not having visited the shrine the day before when I arrived at Nara with more time to spare because it totally deserves a more thorough visit. Also, very photogenic.
This coming from a tourist with no particular knowledge about the shrine (again, I would have liked to have more free time here to learn about the place had I known it was this amazing).
It’s a must while in beautiful
Nara, which was japans first capital. Kasuga-taisha a Shinto shrine established in 768, famous for the lamps of bronze and stone that are lit in certain seasons, though sadly that was not while I was there. With the deer wandering and the mossy setting, a cooling peaceful place on the edge of a woody area.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is renowned for its association with the Fujiwara family, one of the most powerful clans during the Heian period in Japan. It is famous for its hundreds of bronze lanterns that have been donated by worshippers, which line its pathways.
Visitors can reach Kasuga Taisha Shrine by taking a bus from Nara Station to the Kasuga Taisha Honden (main hall) stop. Alternatively, it's a pleasant walk through Nara Park from either Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station, taking about 30-40 minutes.
Entrance to the shrine grounds is free. However, there is a fee to enter the Main Hall and the Manyo Botanical Garden, which is adjacent to the shrine.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is located near several other attractions in Nara Park, including the Nara National Museum, Todai-ji Temple with its giant Buddha statue, and the Nara Deer Park, where visitors can interact with friendly wild deer.
