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Kasuga-taisha Shrine originated in the early Nara period. According to legend, in order to protect Heijokyo (the ancient name for Nara) and ensure the safety and prosperity of the nation, the deity Takemikazuchi no Kami descended from Kashima in Ibaraki Prefecture riding a sacred deer to Mount Mikasa. In 768 AD, under the emperor's decree, the main shrine was built at the foot of Mount Mikasa to enshrine Takemikazuchi no Kami, Kengamin no Kami, Amanokoyane no Kami, and Himegami, thus marking the beginning of the history of Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
To this day, Kasuga-taisha Shrine holds around 2,200 Shinto rituals and festivals each year. Notably, the "Kasuga Matsuri" held on March 13 is one of Japan's three major imperial festivals and has continued for over 1,200 years. It welcomes envoys sent from the imperial court to pray for national peace and the well-being of the people.
Mount Mikasa (Kasuga-yama), where Kasuga-taisha Shrine is located, has long been regarded as a sacred site protected by deities, deeply revered as a divine mountain. Due to the hunting and logging bans during the Heian period, the original forest has been preserved to this day and has been designated as a national special natural monument. In 1998, Kasuga-taisha Shrine and the original forest of Kasuga-yama were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara."
The arrangement of most shrines within Kasuga-taisha has remained unchanged since its establishment. Every 20 years, a ritual called "Shikinen Sōtai" is held to beautify the shrine buildings, including repairs and repainting of all 62 shrines and sub-shrines, including the four national treasures of the main shrine, in vibrant vermilion. This ritual has a history of over 60 occurrences, shared only by Ise Jingu and Kasuga-taisha, showcasing the long-standing tradition and the difficulty of its preservation.
Additionally, Kasuga-taisha Shrine serves as the clan shrine of the Fujiwara clan and is known for its connections to them. From late April to early May, the grounds are adorned with wisteria that has grown naturally since ancient times, creating a dreamlike purple glow. Among them, the famous "Sazai Wisteria," over 700 years old, stands out in the main shrine. The "Manyo Botanical Garden" features a wisteria garden where visitors can admire about 20 varieties, totaling around 200 wisteria plants, creating a stunning landscape.
The "National Treasure Hall" within the shrine grounds is an art museum housing approximately 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties. The hall displays representative weapons of Japan, such as sacred tools, armor, and swords from the Heian period, earning it the title of "The Shōsōin of the Heian Period."
