Nara | The Sacred Deer and Romance of Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha, located in Nara, is the head shrine among over 3,000 Kasuga branch shrines across Japan. Established during the Nara period, it was built under the emperor's order to protect Heian-kyō. The main shrine was constructed on Mount Mikasa, enshrining four deities: Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, brought from Kashima Shrine; Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, invited from Katori Shrine; and Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto and Himegami, brought from Hiraoka Shrine. These deities oversee martial fortune, national peace, academics, and harvests, marking a history of over 1,300 years. Adjacent to Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha is one of Nara's most significant tourist attractions. The 3,000 stone lanterns and the roaming deer within the shrine grounds are popular photo spots for visitors. The legend of the sacred deer originates from Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, who is said to have arrived in Nara riding a white deer. Today, deer with white fur on their hind legs in Kasuga Taisha are considered descendants of these sacred deer. 📍Address: 〒630-8212 Nara Prefecture, Nara City, Kasuganocho 160 🚗 A 20-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station The entire approach to Kasuga Taisha connects 15 shrines, two of which are often passed by but not widely recognized. Near the Manyo Botanical Garden, a small shrine with a vermilion torii gate is the Tsubo Shrine. It enshrines the deity of jars, associated with the legend of Susanoo-no-Mikoto using a sake jar to defeat the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi. Today, it is revered by the sake brewing industry. 🚗 A 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station Another shrine, the pink Byōshi Shrine, is located at the intersection of Ōmiya Street. From the torii gate to the shrine itself, everything is painted pink. This shrine is dedicated to Komachikazane, a legendary gagaku (ancient court music) musician from the Kamakura period. Born into the prestigious Komashi family of musicians, his father is unknown, and his mother was the nun Shōrenni. Raised by Komasokubō, he began learning the flute and inherited secret melodies from his maternal grandfather through his mother. He later mastered gagaku and drums, excelling in the Kōkin and Sokukin styles, becoming a model of gagaku. According to local folklore, the head priest of Kōfuku-ji dreamed of the deity of Kasuga Taisha desiring to see the Ryōō dance. Komachikazane, skilled in this dance, was chosen to perform it as an offering to the gods. This story is also depicted in the "Kasuga Gongen Genki E" scrolls. Komachikazane authored "Kyōkunshō," an important work in Japanese classical music. Today, Byōshi Shrine, as an outer subordinate shrine of Kasuga Taisha, stands in the eastern area near the prefectural office. 📍Address: 〒630-8213 Nara Prefecture, Nara City, Noboriojicho 🚗 A 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station