Kasuga-taisha(春日大社⭐⭐⭐) is more than just a beautiful building; it's a testament to Japan's cultural heritage and spiritual connection with nature. It's a place where history whispers through the trees, and the serene atmosphere invites tranquility and reflection.
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| Hanging lanterns and Andons in the Setsubun Mantoro Festival (Degueulasse, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons) |
Key Facts
- Location: Kasuga-taisha is nestled among ancient trees in Nara, Japan.
- Significance: Recognized as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, it drips with beauty and historical importance.
- Shinto Tradition:
- Founded in 768 by the Fujiwara clan, it’s a
significant Shinto shrine.
- Dedicated to the kami (spirits) of Kasuga Mountain.
- Architectural Gem:
- The shrine complex follows the distinctive
Kasuga-zukuri (春日造) style.
- Bright red pillars, white walls, and cypress bark
roofs define its uniqueness.
- The Shikinen Zotai ceremony (式年造替) rebuilds the shrine every
20 years.
- Realm of Lanterns:
- Over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns line the path.
- Donated by worshippers, they create a mystical
atmosphere.
- Festivals showcase the shrine bathed in warm lantern
glow.
- Harmony with Nature:
- Surrounded by the Kasugayama Primeval Forest (another
UNESCO site).
- Towering cedars and cypress trees add to its
spiritual aura.
Kasuga Grand Shrine is a
magical blend of history, architecture, and nature.
Photo Gallery
Last year, on May 10th, 2023, we arrived by bus and disembarked near the First Torii Gate, as shown in the diagram. It took approximately 20 minutes to walk from there to the Second Torii Gate and the main building. After exploring the main area, we caught a bus from a nearby stop (pictured below) that brought us back to Kintetsu-Nara Station.
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| 金龍神社 |
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| Lines 7, 78, 88, and 98 all return to Lines 7, 78, 88, and 98 all return to Kintetsu-Nara Station |
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