Kasuga Shrine: Just Give Japanese Lanterns

Kasuga Shrine (Kasuga Taisha) in Nara, Japan is famous for a few reasons but without a doubt it is best known for its Japanese lanterns made of stone or bronze.

And not just one Japanese stone lantern but approximately 2000 of them. Add to that another 1000 made of bronze (give or take) and there are actually about 3200 lanterns (a boast that none of the other Japanese shrines can make) on the grounds of this amazing Shinto Shrine in Nara Park.

Now I don`t know about you, but I have had a thing for the good old Japanese Lantern ever since Karate Kid 2. And while these aren`t Japanese paper lanterns, they still create the feeling that you`ve just been dropped into feudal Japan, with the added bonus of no one trying to kick you in the head.

The amazing thing is, is that all of these Japanese lanterns have been donated by the general public.

The down side is they are only lit on 3 days of the year:

- February 3rd (my birthday (seriously!) and yes, of course you can send me presents)

- August 14th and 15th

Naturally, on these days, hoards of people visit the shrine, so be warned now. Although the crowds are generally well behaved, they can still be a little overwhelming if you`re not used to it, so the occasion may not be everyone`s cup of tea.

Originaly built in 710 as the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara family, it was torn down and rebuilt every 20 years (due to Shinto custom) until 1863. Since that time Kasuga Shrine has been preserved and is registered as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another thing that make this Shrine so special are the beautiful wisteria that have grown on and around the buildings since ancient times.

In actual fact the Fujiwara clan`s name can be roughly translated as "wisteria field" making the flowers even more revered.

Opening Hours:

9:00am - 4:00pm Year Round

Closed:

4:00pm in Winter

Entry:

Free

Inner grounds 500 yen