Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Nara. It was established alongside the founding of Nara as Japan’s capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for protecting the city.

Kasuga Taisha is best known for its hundreds of lanterns hanging throughout the shrine complex. These lanterns are lit only twice a year during special festivals - once in early February and again in mid-August.

Around the main shrine, you’ll also find many smaller shrines. Twelve of them line a path through the complex, each dedicated to one of the zodiac deities.