Nara travel
Kasugataisha Shrine
Kasugataisha Shrine · 春日大社
At Kasugataisha, follow lantern-lined approaches to red shrine buildings. After general worship, choose a main-sanctuary special visit if you want to see the hanging lanterns in the corridors.
English access guidance Japanese opening and suspension guidance Official sources
Visitor information
Admission
General worship at the main sanctuary has no admission fee. A special visit through corridors and lanterns costs JPY 700. The treasure museum and Manyo Botanical Garden have separate fees.
Opening hours
General worship is available from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm from March to October and from 7 am to 5 pm from November to February. Main-sanctuary special visits run from 9 am to 4 pm. See visit guidance below for ritual suspension dates and times.
What to see at Kasugataisha Shrine
Lanterns and red shrine buildings
Follow the lantern-lined approach to the red buildings. Allow time for both the walk through Nara Park to the shrine and worship there.
Special visit for hanging lanterns in the corridors
Choose a main-sanctuary special visit to see hanging lanterns along the corridors. Its access differs from free general worship. The treasure museum and botanical garden require their own fees.
Official Kasugataisha lanterns and red shrine buildings Official Kasugataisha worship and exit-specific access
How to get to Kasugataisha Shrine
Kasugataisha is about 25 minutes' walk from Kintetsu-Nara. By bus, take a Kasugataisha Honden-bound service from JR Nara or Kintetsu-Nara and get off at Kasugataisha Honden. The official three-minute onward walk covers the botanical garden's main gate and Kasuga Ninai Jaya. Allow separate time to reach the main sanctuary and queue at general worship.
Japanese opening and suspension guidance English access guidance Official Kasugataisha worship and exit-specific access
Before you visit
Check special-visit availability first
Main-sanctuary special visits normally run 9 am–4 pm, but are suspended all day from around 8–13 March and from 20 December–7 January. The 1st, 11th and 21st of each month, and official ritual dates, also have exceptions such as morning suspensions. Check notices for changes or temporary suspensions due to events and rituals. General worship follows separate seasonal hours.
Questions about Kasugataisha Shrine
How can I see the hanging lanterns in the corridors?
Choose a main-sanctuary special visit for the hanging lanterns. This gives different access from free general worship and is subject to ritual suspension dates and times.
Official Kasugataisha lanterns and red shrine buildings Official Kasugataisha worship and exit-specific access
Official sources
- English access guidance ·
- Japanese opening and suspension guidance ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
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