Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Nara City Center area of Nara, Nara, Japan. The shrine was established in 768 AD and is dedicated to the deity responsible for protecting the city of Nara.

History

The shrine was first built by the Fujiwara family in 768 AD. The shrine was rebuilt every 20 years to keep it in good condition. The tradition of rebuilding the shrine continued until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The shrine was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Architecture

The shrine is built in the Kasuga-zukuri style of architecture, which is characterized by a curved roof that extends over the front of the building. The shrine is made of wood and is decorated with hundreds of bronze lanterns. The lanterns are lit twice a year during the Lantern Festivals in February and August.

Visiting the Shrine

The shrine is open to visitors every day from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the shrine. There is a small fee to enter the inner shrine, which is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The inner shrine houses the main deity of the shrine.

Getting There

The shrine is located in the Nara City Center area of Nara, Nara, Japan. The approximate latitude and longitude of the shrine is 34.6859° N, 135.8470° E. The shrine is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take the train to Nara Station and then take a bus or walk to the shrine.

Conclusion

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a beautiful and historic shrine that is definitely worth a visit. The shrine's unique architecture and bronze lanterns make it a must-see attraction in Nara, Japan.