【Nara】World Heritage Site: Kasuga Taisha Shrine

【Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site】 is the head shrine of approximately 3,000 Kasuga Shrines across Japan. The shrine has undergone the "Shikinen Zotai" ritual, a major renovation held every 20 years, a total of 60 times. Only Kasuga Taisha and Ise Jingu have exceeded this number.

The main sanctuary of Kasuga Taisha enshrines four deities, each offering unique blessings:
- Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto: Protection from misfortune, success in competitions, and traffic safety.
- Futsunushi-no-Mikoto: Long-lasting military fortune and general good luck.
- Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto: Academic success and family safety.
- Himegami: Matchmaking and fertility.

For a closer worship experience, visitors can participate in the "Special Worship" near the main sanctuary by paying a fee of 700 yen at the reception desk. The special worship follows a designated route:
- East Corridor → Mikasa Mountain Floating Cloud Peak Worship Site → Front of the Middle Gate.
Note that entry into the main sanctuary is not permitted.

The route begins with the East Corridor adorned with hanging lanterns, leading to the Mikasa Mountain Floating Cloud Peak Worship Site. The peak of Mikasa Mountain is considered sacred as the site where Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto descended. Access to the mountain is strictly restricted (prohibited area), so visitors worship from outside and proceed to the Middle Gate for further worship. There are also notable spots in the left rear area.

Fujinami-no-ya has been specially renovated to create an ethereal atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience the ambiance of "Mantoro" (a thousand lanterns).

To the left of the Middle Gate stands a sacred cedar tree, estimated to be around 1,000 years old. It is said to radiate powerful energy.

Kasuga Taisha also features numerous famous auxiliary and subordinate shrines. Among them, the "Meoto Daikokusha" attracts many visitors. It is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto and his wife, Suserihime-no-Mikoto, offering blessings for love and marital harmony. Heart-shaped ema (votive tablets) and water fortune-telling are particularly popular.

Water Fortune-Telling Fee: 300 yen
A fortune-telling paper marked with categories like love, wishes, and academics is floated on water. As the paper absorbs water, characters indicating overall fortune and specific categories like love appear. It's a private moment you might not want others to see. 😊

Kasuga Taisha also has cafes and rest areas. Kasuga Nari Chaya, located in front of the entrance to the Manyo Botanical Garden, offers a relaxing spot surrounded by the forest of Kasuga. Its specialty is Manyo porridge, made with kombu broth and finished with a mild white miso flavor. Sweet treats like kuzumochi, green tea, and ice cream are also available.

Additionally, you'll encounter many deer, considered messengers of the gods, throughout the area.

Visiting here always leaves me feeling refreshed and cleansed. The autumn foliage season is especially recommended!