Kasuga-taisha - Nara

Many different paths - wide and narrow - take you through this traditional temple complex. You will definitely see lanterns and bells, and possibly groups of people in traditional costume. Great for photography; look out for bells naturally decorated in moss. Yet another great place to see when visiting Nara.

Fascinating ancient shrine with amazing history and striking visuals. There is a lot to see outside of the main buildings but it's worth the admission charge to enter and see the interior. Please don't be a tourist jerk and take photos in the no-photography area; it's so easy to be polite and respectful. Be sure to catch the darkened hall of lit lanterns to get an idea of what the lantern festival is like and what the shrine would have looked like in ages past.

Most people come to Nara to see the Great Buddha and deer park but be sure you don’t overlook Kasuga-Taisha! It was my favorite spot in Nara. It’s about a 15 minute walk away from the Big Buddha area all on an easy path through the park with stone lanterns lining both sides of the path as you get closer. You’ll spot deer wandering about the entire way and can get some amazing pics as it’s not so crowded. Pay the admission fee to go into the central shrine area and take your time admiring the hundreds of metal hanging lanterns that all have different designs. There’s even a small room you can go in where the lanterns are lit up. We spent over an hour just wandering through Kasuga-Taisha and the surrounding stone lanterns area. Less popular means less crowded too!

Beautiful shrine with all the lanterns. Walking up you are greeted with Nara deer which actually bow for deer crackers. It’s worth the extra ¥500 for viewing more of the lanterns on the right side entrance.

Beautiful shrine, best in the winter as the lantern are lighted on by 17h00. Still good for a walk in nonetheless

The wooded park around the shrine is beautiful. There are a lot of moss covered stone lanterns as well.

The Kasuga Shrine is within walking distance from the Todai-ji Temple and to the Nara JR Station. I did not get to go inside the temple because there was a ceremony going on but the place was packed - mainly with locals. However, the shrine really is know for what it looked to my like several thousand lanterns, which make for a very unique atmosphere. Absolutely gorgeous place. If you are going to Nara to see the Todai-ji, then take some extra time to check this place.

(Trip was made back then on 21 Nov 2019, 2 years before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit) Nestled deep within Nara Park lies Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is the most celebrated shrine in Nara and is considered one of the most sacred sites in Japan. It feels so otherworldly when you first step foot onto its compound, where numerous stone lanterns first great you. Over 3000 stone lanterns have been donated by worshippers. As you approach the main building, you’ll be greeted by hundreds of beautifully designed bronze lanterns. Hence, it is no surprise that the shrine is famous for its lanterns, and known for its lantern festival, where the all the lanterns will be lit up after sunset. Sadly the lantern festival only takes place twice a year, early February and mid-August, and I was here in November for their autumn season. Nevertheless, it was still a great experience and there was even a dark room lit with lanterns to give visitors a glimpse of how the the Lantern Festival would have looked like. Definitely worth the effort and one of the highlights in Nara. Would love to return and experience its Lantern Festival when we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic (and when travelling is allowed again).