Overview
Founded in 768 as the Fujiwara clan shrine, Nara's most prestigious shrine unfolds in vermilion corridors against the primeval Kasugayama forest. Some 2,000 moss-covered stone lanterns line the approach and 1,000 bronze lanterns hang from the galleries; during the Mantoro festivals (Setsubun in February and Obon in August) all are lit at once — one of Nara's great spectacles. Deer, the deity's messengers, amble alongside pilgrims, and the Manyo Botanical Garden and forest paths to auxiliary shrines reward a slow visit.
💰 Tickets
Grounds free; inner precinct JPY 700, treasure hall JPY 500, botanical garden JPY 500.
🎟️ Check ticket prices →Opening Hours
6:30-17:30 (Nov-Feb 7:00-17:00); inner precinct 9:00-16:00
🚇 Getting there
About 25 minutes on foot from Kintetsu-Nara, or the bus to 'Kasuga Taisha Honden' stops at the entrance. Walking across Nara Park is half the fun.
⏱️ How long to visit
About 1-1.5 hours.
🌅 Best time to visit
Early morning, when the forest air is clearest. The lantern lightings — Setsubun Mantoro in early February and Chugen Mantoro on August 14-15 — are unmissable.
Travel Tips
Pay the JPY 700 inner-precinct admission to walk the lantern-hung corridors and see the darkened Fujinami-no-ya hall recreating the lit lanterns. Wear comfortable shoes — the approach is long.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Nara, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Nara on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Nara with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Nara 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Kasuga Taisha
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Things to Do in Nara
Deer Feeding in Nara Park
Buy shika-senbei and feed the bowing deer — the essential Nara experience. Morning deer are gentlest for first-timers.
Kimono Rental Stroll
Rent a kimono and wander the park, temples and Naramachi lanes — kimono photos with deer are a Nara exclusive.
Naramachi Lanes & Machiya Tour
Stroll the latticed machiya lanes hung with charm monkeys, linking Koshi-no-Ie, Gango-ji and craft cafes in the old quarter.