|
|
Destinations... Japan Travel Guide The Yamasa Institute |
|
|
|
|
Destinations... Japan Travel Guide The Yamasa Institute |
|
|
|
Edited by: Declan Murphy Recommended: Suggested Itineraries Favorite Nara moments... Best ways to get there Nara Photogallery Newsgroups: fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ Bulletin Boards: Fun/Clubs/Nightlife  Accommodation/Discounts
|
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Nara and is one of the "Three Great Shrines" of Japan. It was officialy established in 768 by the Fujiwara clan, but is believed to date from the beginning of the Nara period (710). The shrine is located at the western foot of Mt. Mikasa and Mt. Kasuga, sacred mountians from which the Shinto kami (gods) first descended. The powerful Fujiwara clan (one of the most powerful aristocratic families of the period) and the Imperial court worshipped here, making it very prosperous. Kasuga Taisha Shrine was unified with Kofukuji Temple in the later half of the Heian period (794-1185) with the emergance of the new theological philosophy of Kami-Buddha Fusion. The Shrine's affiliation with Kofukuji lasted until the Meiji restoration (1868-1912) when the government established Shinto as the state religion and ordered the separation of Buddhism and Shintoism.
The Kasuga Taisha shrine is known for its thousands of lanterns and for the lovely wisteria in its botanical gardens. The wisteria flower is important to this shrine because the name of the "Fujiwara" clan can be read as "field of wisteria". You may notice that the shrine priestesses even wear wisteria in their hair. The other feature of Kasuga Taisha Shrine are its 3000 lanterns, 2000 of which are stone and the other 1000 are bronze. The lanterns (toro) line the paths to the shrine and hang from the eves. They were donated over the years by the common people as tokens of thier faith. In ancient days the lanterns used to be lit every day, however now you must be lucky enough to visit the shrine on February 3 (Setsubun) or August 14 & 15 (Obon) when you can see all the laterns lit for the Mantoro festival.
The entrace to Shinto shrines is marked by "Torii" gates which separate the finite world from the infinite world of the gods. From the main torii gate there is a path leading up to the main shrine buildings. As you walk up this path you will begin to notice the large number of laterns for which this shrine is so famous. The function of the pathway is to provide a time and space for visitors to clear their minds and prepare for worship. It is characteristic of Shinto shrines to be located near concentrations of nature since nature is the focus of the shinto religion. As you walk along the path you will notice that the Kasuga Taisha Shrine location emphasizes the surrounding hillside forests.
The main entrance to the shrine complex is through the Minamimon (South Gate). While purification of the mind takes place during the walk along the path, purification of the body occurs inside shrine at the Temizuya (water fountain and basin) where it is customary to wash your hands. From the 8th to the 19th centuries, the structures were rebuilt every twenty years according to Shinto tradition. The structures' basic configuration has remained unchanged since the early Heian period (794-1185). The main buildings of the shrine are the Haiden (Worship Hall), The Heiden (Offering Hall), and the Hoden (Main Hall which was built to house the "kami"). Other buildings in the complex include the Utsushidondo (Transfer Hall), the Homostuden (Treasure Hall), and the Naoraiden (Entertainmnt Hall). You are free to explore the grounds, however there is an entry fee for the Homotsuden (420 yen) and the Honden (500 yen).
Festivals:
| February 2-4 | Setsubun Mantoro--Lantern lighting (6pm) |
| March 13 | Kasuga Matsuri (Monkey Festival)--Gagaku and Bugaku dance performances |
| August 14 & 15 | Obon Mantoro--Lantern Lighting |
From Kintetsu Nara Train Station you can walk or take a bus.
Walking: Take main street (Hanna Road) in front of Kintetsu Nara Station and walk east toward Nara Park. It will lead you through the park and up the hill to the shrine. It should take about 20 minutes
Bus: Get the bus for Kasuga Taisha at Kinsetsu Train Station. It will drop you off at "Kasuga Taisha Mae" bus stop outside the shrine grounds. It is a 5 minute walk up hill from here.
Tours - The Japan Discovery Tours visits Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Click here for more information regarding when Discovery visits this destination.
Photographs and contributions
Do you have good photographs or a story to share about Nara? Please share it with us.
Bulletin Boards & Newsgroups
Fun/Clubs/Nightlife
Accommodation/Discounts
fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ
Disclaimer and Request:
Opening hours, prices, booking procedures, schedules etc are subject to changes beyond our control. This site is just a guide, and we advise that you always check and confirm in advance. Suggestions, additions and correction of errors are always welcome. Please contact us.
|
www.yamasa.org content is created and maintained by
Declan Murphy and the students and
staff of the
Yamasa Institute's Multimedia Studio. This site is copyright Yamasa - All rights reserved.
C O M M U N I T Y M E M B E R S
