Kasuga Taisha Spring Festival
春日祭（春日大社）
Experience the majesty of ancient rituals at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kasuga Taisha.Kasuga Taisha Spring Festival is a significant ritual that preserves the history and traditions of Kasuga Taisha, a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara." The history of the shrine dates back to the early Nara period, when the deity was welcomed to Mount Mikasa to protect the Heijo-kyo capital.
Highlights
About Kasuga Taisha Spring Festival
To make your visit to Kasuga Taisha even more memorable, we recommend the following:
- Enjoy the Historic Scenery: The vermilion-painted buildings and the endless rows of stone and hanging lanterns are not only photogenic but also offer a profound sense of Japanese aesthetic beauty.
- Connect with Nature: Visit the Manyo Botanical Garden to enjoy seasonal flora, including plants famously mentioned in the ancient Manyoshu poetry collection.
- Deepen Your Knowledge: Consider participating in special guided tours led by Shinto priests or Miko to gain a professional and spiritual perspective on the shrine's history.
- Explore the Area: Combine your visit with a stroll through Nara Park to see the famous deer and explore the charming historic streets of the surrounding area.
Photo gallery
All photosSchedule
May 5, 2027
Weather forecast
Mon
8/3
34°/27°
100%
Tue
8/4
33°/26°
18%
Wed
8/5
34°/25°
27%
Thu
8/6
34°/27°
27%
Fri
8/7
34°/26°
45%
Sat
8/8
35°/25°
57%
Sun
8/9
28°/24°
59%
Plan your stay & activities
Tips
Dress Code
As this is a sacred site, modest and respectful attire is recommended.
Etiquette
Please observe rituals quietly and avoid disrupting the Shinto priests or the flow of the ceremony.
Accessibility
While there are ramps from the parking area to the path near the inner gate, some parts of the shrine grounds may not be fully accessible. Wheelchairs are available for rent.
Seasonal Check
Opening hours may change depending on the season; please verify the latest schedule on the official website before your visit.
Before & After the Event
Reitaisai Festival
Experience the Reitaisai, a traditional ritual held at a historic shrine in Nara. Witness the profound beauty of Japanese spiritual culture and traditional Shinto ceremonies amidst a breathtaking historical landscape.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
Special Exhibition: Nanto Buddhist Paintings — Reviving the Beauty of Nara's Tenpyo Era
Experience the treasures of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in Nara! A special exhibition tracing the history of Nanto Buddhist paintings. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tenpyo era.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
Tawarakacho Citizen Summer Festival: Kion Matsuri
Experience the Kion Matsuri on July 18–19, 2026. This traditional festival around Tsushima Shrine offers a wonderful way to feel the essence of a Japanese summer and the vibrant spirit of the local community.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
