Who Is Worshipped at Nara's Kasuga Taisha? | Builder of Kasuga Taisha |Power of the Fujiwara Clan"

00:00 The Appearance of Kasuga Taisha in Nara
03:19 Why the Capital Was Moved to Nara (Heijō-kyō)
04:13 The Fujiwara Clan, Builders of Kasuga Taisha
08:37 The Main Hall of Kasuga Taisha
10:29 Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto (First Hall Deity)
13:19 Futsunushi-no-Mikoto (Second Hall Deity)
14:50 Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto and Himegami (Third and Fourth Hall Deities)
Hello friends! Today, we're taking a walk through Kasuga Taisha in Nara. Because I often bring friends here, I made this video to answer some common questions about the shrine's appearance and history. I hope this video helps more people appreciate this ancient and beautiful shrine.
Kasuga Taisha is located in Kasuganocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan, and is one of the most famous shrines in the city. It is the head shrine of over 1,000 Kasuga shrines across Japan and is one of Japan's three major shrines (alongside Izumo Taisha and Hiyoshi Taisha).
Kasuga Taisha sits in a dense primeval forest known as the "Kasugayama Primeval Forest," which is considered a sacred area. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since the Nara period, preserving the forest's natural state since that time. The towering ancient trees in the forest blend seamlessly with the shrine's architecture, creating a serene and solemn atmosphere. Within the forest, there are many stone Buddha statues and ancient temple ruins, suggesting that this was once a place for ancient Japanese ascetics to meditate.
Kasuga Taisha covers a vast area, including Mount Kasuga. According to records, the total area of the shrine is about 1,000,000 square meters, equivalent to 140 standard soccer fields. The path from the first torii gate on the east side of the shrine to the main hall is nearly 1.4 kilometers long, showcasing the shrine's impressive scale.
The history of Kasuga Taisha is also very long, having been established 1,300 years ago during the Nara period. Despite the passage of many dynasties, the shrine has maintained its current form, witnessing the changes in Japanese history and the transmission of its culture.
Visitors walk on paths covered with fine sand, their footsteps soft and steady. If you observe closely, you'll see numerous stone lanterns lining the 1.4-kilometer-long path. According to statistics, there are about 3,000 stone and hanging lanterns, all donated by believers from various social strata since the Heian period. These lanterns are lit at specific times each year, creating a unique sea of lanterns. The "Mantoro" (Festival of Ten Thousand Lanterns) in August is particularly special, as the lanterns' unique glow at night creates a mystical and sacred atmosphere. It's highly recommended to visit on the night of August 14 to witness this rare spectacle.
Moreover, around 1,300 wild deer live in Nara Park and near Kasuga Taisha, interacting closely with people. This phenomenon is unique in the world, attracting tourists from across the country and the world to come and interact with these sacred deer.
Main Hall of Kasuga Taisha
The core area of Kasuga Taisha is called the Main Hall, built at the foot of Mount Kasuga and surrounded by a corridor. The shape of the main hall's area is almost rectangular but not entirely symmetrical. There are five large gates leading into the interior of the main hall. Most visitors enter through the South Gate, located at the center of the southern corridor, which is about 21 meters long. The eastern corridor is approximately 37 meters long, while the western corridor is the longest, measuring about 57 meters and containing three gates: Keiga Gate, Seijo Gate, and Naishi Gate. The northern corridor is about 27 meters long and connects only to the western corridor, extending eastward to the rear of the main hall. The different lengths of the corridors are said to be intentional, designed according to the original terrain of the sacred mountain, showcasing the beauty of architectural variation.