Kasuga Taisha Shrine

UNESCO World Heritage

春日大社

Kasuga Taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara. Its history began on November 9, 768, when several gods were enshrined here. The bright vermilion buildings stand in a primeval forest, and the approach is lined with stone and hanging lanterns; the shrine has about 3,000 donated lanterns. Kasuga Taisha and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".

Open in Google Maps ↗ Directions ↗

Visitor information

Opening hours: Main Sanctuary general worship: 6:30–17:30 (March–October) and 7:00–17:00 (November–February). Special worship of the Main Sanctuary: 9:00–16:00.
Closed: The official page lists closure periods, including 8–13 March and 20 December–7 January, and some morning closures; check the page for which areas are affected.
Admission: Special worship of the Main Sanctuary costs ¥700. The museum (adults ¥700) and the Manyou Botanical Garden (adults ¥700, children ¥300) charge separately.
Getting there: From JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station, take a bus bound for the "Kasuga Taisha Honden" stop. On foot it is about 25 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

The lanterns on the corridor eaves are lit twice a year, on February 3 and August 14–15.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Kasuga Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the guardian deities of the Fujiwara clan. Visitors may walk around the grounds freely and simply look around; entry to the Main Hall area requires a fee.
The hanging lanterns along the corridor are lit only twice a year, on February 3 and August 14–15.
Shinto shrines are open to everyone. Bowing, clapping and washing at the purification basin are optional; you can simply look around.
Shrines are usually busiest at New Year and during festivals. Early morning is often the calmest time to visit.
Charms, fortune slips and votive tablets are religious items. You do not need to buy or use them.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Nara and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.