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ATTRACTION GUIDE · NARA

Kasuga Taisha

A vermilion shrine in an ancient forest, lined with about 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps

Time needed: 1 hour
Entry: Free (inner area paid)
Best time: Morning
Area: Nara Park

A vermilion shrine famous for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: 160 Kasuganocho, Nara

On foot: About 25 minutes' walk through Nara Park from the station.
Bus: Buses run to Kasuga Taisha Honden.
Lantern festivals: All lanterns are lit in early February and mid-August.

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The story of Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha was founded in 768 AD for the powerful Fujiwara family. Its bright vermilion buildings stand in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, where hunting and logging have been banned for over a thousand years.

Around 3,000 lanterns, donated by worshippers over the centuries, line its paths and hang from its corridors. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year; February and August for the lantern festivals.

Best time of day

Morning.

Rain

Mossy lanterns look beautiful in the rain.

Tips before you go

Twice a year, all the lanterns are lit at festivals.
Walk the stone lantern path through the forest.
Visit during a lantern festival if you can.

Best hotels near Kasuga Taisha

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Nara Hotel

Historic 1909 hotel by Nara Park.

See prices

JW Marriott Hotel Nara

Modern luxury hotel near the station.

See prices

All hotels near Kasuga Taisha

What's around Kasuga Taisha

Nara ParkOn the way.
Kasugayama Primeval ForestAncient forest.
Wakakusa HillGrassy hill with views.
Todai-ji20 minutes' walk.

Questions travellers ask

How many lanterns are there?

About 3,000.

When are they lit?

In early February and mid-August.

Is it a UNESCO site?

Yes.