Kasuga Shrine, located in the city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most famous shrines dedicated to Kasuga Takamochi, a legendary samurai from the 8th century. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful gardens, tranquil atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several buildings and halls, as well as walk through the serene Kasuga River Valley.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ōkuninomiya
- Kami enshrined
- Ōkuninomiya
- Coordinates
- 34.981618, 135.7002192
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the gardens are bathed in natural light.
Cultural notes
Kasuga Shrine is famous for its unique 'kodai' style architecture, which was influenced by ancient Chinese and Korean styles. The shrine also hosts an annual Kasuga Matsuri festival in May, featuring traditional music, dance, and food vendors.
Historical note
The earliest recorded record of the shrine dates back to 718 CE.