This time I visited only the main shrine. The deer take a nap after passing through the first torii gate. The fawn with a little "Kanoko pattern" is cute. You can feel the virgin forest with your whole body when you pass through the torii of 2. The main shrine also has a paid area. "Ema" is a lucky charm that grants wishes. Write your wishes on the deer-shaped Ema.

Beautiful place in the center of Nara. The way up to the shrine was beautiful and quiet, the deers are friendly and lovely. It was worth it to buy the 500 yen ticket to get inside and take a look around and to feel the serenity. The shrine itself was breathtaking and we were even lucky enough to have witnessed a Japanese wedding that took place in the shrine, it was truly unique and amazing.

Shinto shrine with a ton of stone lanterns on its path. The deer are not as aggressive compared to the center of Nara Park.

Definitely try to get a bicycle or an E bike when going through to this temple, although the tree lined path full of curious deers is a wonderful walk. One you're at the gate, there is a small walk through the forest to various other shrines

My personal favourite temple i visited in Japan. It's really wonderful, looks like straight out of a ghibli movie. It was really mesmerizing. I felt like i was inside a fantasy novel. Magical. It's even more wonderous than the deers. I don't understand why people visiting Nara never talk about this temple. The forest before entering the temple area made the enterance more magnificent. The stone lanterns look really old with the mold and chipped body. It was perfectly beautiful. I can't describe it good enough. Even the photos can't really bring out the feeling i felt.

Kasuga Taisha is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. It was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara clan - one of the Japan's most powerful family during Nara and Heian Periods. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers (temple has more than 3000 of them). Hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings and hundreds of stone lanterns line up on the way leading to the shrine. Apparently, the lanterns are lit only 3 days a year during Lantern Festivals. Now however visitors may admire some of the lit lanterns inside one of the halls that is pitched black (on purpose) so that the visitors can see how the lanterns would look like during the Festivals. Kasuga Taisha Shrine (inner area) is open from 09:00 – 16:00. Entrance fee (Oct 2023) was 500 ¥.

The Kasuga Shrine is within walking distance from the Todai-ji Temple and to the Nara JR Station. I did not get to go inside the temple because there was a ceremony going on but the place was packed - mainly with locals. However, the shrine really is know for what it looked to my like several thousand lanterns, which make for a very unique atmosphere. Absolutely gorgeous place. If you are going to Nara to see the Todai-ji, then take some extra time to check this place.

Very beautiful location with lots to see. The grounds during the fall are filled with brilliant colors that enhance the lanterns and the natural moss that makes the entire experience epic. The deer can be a lot of fun too. They seem to know how to bow!

Nice shrine tucked away at the corner of Nara. Entry is free but there are shops that you can buy little trinkets and amulets. We took around 30 mins to walk here from nara park. You can also see deers along the way.

Kasuga Taisha is at the end of the heritage site walk and is well worth it. Do buy the tickets and go inside and allow yourself enough time to dwell and soak in the atmosphere of this ancient place. Just a tip - once you exit, there is a walk up the hill through many small shrines. Go to the end and double back. Don’t take any of the side tracks. We took one and it put us outside the area into a neighborhood

A lovely and quiet shrine deep into Nara Park. This was our first stop when visiting Nara. We took the bus from the train station into the park as close to Kasuga-taisha, and then walked the path to the shrine. Walking among the stone lanterns covered in moss felt like a bit of a fairy tale. Our visit to the shrine was a little shorter than planned, on account of a single tour group that were yelling and shouting all over the place, and not engaging with their surroundings quietly and respectfully, as one would expect in Japan (this may be the only place/time we saw this). We never found the area with a sample of the lanterns lit, which was disappointing. But that's no fault of the shrine - just our ability to navigate it and loss of patience with certain types of tourists.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a prominent and historic shrine in Nara, Japan. The shrine's unique feature is its thousands of hanging lanterns, creating a captivating and serene atmosphere, especially when they are lit during special occasions. We even saw a monk praying in one of the shrines. That’s was pretty cool to experience!

Great place to take photos. The walk up is decorated with stone lanterns and deer walking around. The buildings themselves are beautiful to see.

Really beautiful forest surrounding the shrine. A magical feel to it. Aspects remind me of Angkor Watt. Tue deer wander throughout the monuments, trees and pathways. The tree roots are stunning with the intricate patterns they make. The shrine itself is a paid entry but the best parts are probably the pathways around it. It's also nice that not many tourists go there so it's not too busy.

Lantern Shrine. Full of stone and wooden lanternes dueing the path to shrine and many more metals lanterns inside. Most people climb to the shrine and just take pictures from outside. Take tickets and get in. An amazing surprise is waiting for you: A dark room with full of lightened lanterns. Mesmerizing...

Beautiful shrine by the end of Nara Park where tons of deer were around. Quite a way to walk, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The majority of the woods are off-limits to visitors, so better not walk into them while the structures are not supposed to be touched as well.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, Japan, offers a mesmerizing blend of history and natural beauty. The vermilion-lacquered structures surrounded by lush greenery create a serene atmosphere. The iconic lantern-lined paths, especially during the lantern festivals, evoke a mystical ambiance. The shrine's integration with the adjacent forest adds to its spiritual allure. The intricate details of the architecture and the centuries-old stone lanterns contribute to a sense of timelessness. Visitors can also witness the resident deer, considered sacred messengers, enhancing the unique experience. While the crowd during peak times may slightly diminish the tranquility, Kasuga Taisha Shrine remains a must-visit destination for those seeking cultural richness and scenic splendor.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Heijō Palace Site Historical Park during my trip to Japan, and I must say, it was a truly enlightening experience. Nestled in the heart of Nara, this historical site offers a captivating glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage. The small museum located within the park serves as a perfect complement to the archeological site. Housing a curated collection of artifacts, replicas, and informative exhibits, it offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the palace's history and significance. The interactive displays truly brought the past to life, allowing me to better understand the daily lives of the imperial court and the societal norms that prevailed during that era. One of the highlights of my visit was witnessing the ongoing excavation work conducted by dedicated archeologists. It's fascinating to witness history being meticulously uncovered and to see firsthand the level of care and expertise that goes into preserving these invaluable remnants. The opportunity to engage with the archeologists and learn about their findings added an extra layer of authenticity and depth to my visit.

Beautiful historical buildings and lots of clear area around the area. Nice for photos. The train line runs through the park, making a nice location for train based photos.

Capture moments that will last a lifetime as you immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas. 📷

A palace in the open field, it a very different feel. Open, empty, serene. Unlike the other tourist places which are packed. The train from Osaka passes between the front gate and the main building. It should be noted that it is a completely reconstructed palace (not rebuilt).

This place is a sham. Don't bother with it. It's out of the way, and there's literally nothing out there, but a huge field.

Under construction and reform... it may take about 30 years to get it done. Parking and visit free of charge. Vaste area, people playing, running and having relaxing time.

Not much of a park. Get bikes if you are coming here. Big park with not much to see in it. Cycle to each element and head away again. More interesting things to be seen in Nara.

No building surrounding, they are left alone as is. I imagine what old palace life would be. I only walked main street. I will go back and see the side road and museums.

This place is so beautiful in autumn. There’re restaurants offering local food/simple meals, and a souvenir shop. Parking was 300yen/entry.

Historically important temple. Impressive pagoda and hondo. Nice trail hike to Gansenji, 2km, 1h.Nice trail hike to Gansenji, 2km, 1h. Come here via city bus Tono line from Kamo Station in about 20 minutes, bus runs every hour.

Beatiful place

Absolutely beautiful, but the 4 stars is bc the toilet (no flush, just a deep hole) made me freak out and jump outside :8

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha, i promised i will cone and pray to Shakyamuni Buddha,if possible, i would like to offering water to Buddha.

Most serene temple, grounds and neighborhood.

(Translated by Google) Access is a little inconvenient if you don't have a car. There is a community bus that goes from Kamo Station to Joruriji Temple Gate, but it runs once every hour, so it's difficult to adjust the time, so this time I took a bus from JR Nara Station to Kamo Station, got off at Joruriji Exit, and walked for about 40 minutes. . Although it is a small temple that is not very large, the garden has an elegant atmosphere that gives you a sense of wabi-sabi. The nine statues of Amitabha Tathagata were also worth seeing, but I was also glad that I was able to see the statue of Kichijoten just as the doors were opening. (Original) 車以外だとアクセスがちょっと不便です。加茂駅から浄瑠璃寺門前まで行くコミュニティバスが出ていますが1時間に1本なので時間調整が難しく、今回はJR奈良駅から加茂駅行きバスに乗り、浄瑠璃寺口で降りて40分ほど歩きました。 あまり広くないこじんまりしたお寺ですが侘び寂びを感じる上品な雰囲気のお庭が素敵でした。九体阿弥陀如来像も見応えがありましたが、ちょうど吉祥天女像のご開扉もあり拝見することができて良かったです。

(Translated by Google) Principal image: Nine-body Amida Nyorai seated statue/Yakushi Nyorai seated statue Sect: Shingon Ritsu sect According to temple legend, Joruriji Temple was founded in 1047, with the main hall built by Shonin Yoshiaki and the temple's main temple built by Shigeyori Achiyama Daibu. There is a record that in the second year of Kasho (1107), the principal image of Buddha at that time, Yakushi Nyorai (currently enshrined in the three-story pagoda), was moved to the West Hall, but there is no specific explanation of the "West Hall", and this At that time, the old main hall was demolished and a new one was built in its place. There is a theory that the nine seated statues of Amida Nyorai, along with Yakushi Nyorai, were made when the temple was built in 1047, and another theory that all nine statues were made when the new main hall was built in 1107, year 2 of Kasho. . On this day, I was able to see the nine sitting statues of Amida Nyorai up close. Although the Gohonzon has a history of over 900 years, I felt that it was well preserved. The area where Joruriji Temple is located seems to have a blessed environment, and it is said that the pond in the garden in front of the main hall has never dried up. Prayer: 2024/05/17 (Original) 御本尊：九体阿弥陀如来坐像／薬師如来坐像 宗派：真言律宗 寺伝によれば、浄瑠璃寺（じょうるりじ）の創建は永承2年（1047）と伝わり、義明上人により本堂が建立され、檀那は阿知山大夫重頼と言われています。 嘉承2年（1107）、当時の御本尊である薬師如来（現在は三重塔内に鎮座）を西堂に移したとの記録がありますが、「西堂」についての具体的な説明はなく、この時に旧本堂を取り壊して、そこに新本堂を建立したとの事です。 9体の阿弥陀如来坐像は、薬師如来と共に永承2年（1047）の創建時の作とする説、また9体とも嘉承2年（1107）の新本堂建立時の作とする説があります。 この日は九体阿弥陀如来坐像を間近で拝観できました。 900年以上の歴史を持つ御本尊ですが、保存状態がとても良く感じました。 浄瑠璃寺が建つ当地の環境は恵まれているようで、本堂前にある庭園の池は枯れた事がないと伝えられています。 拝：2024/05/17

An amazing temple in the mountains south of Kyoto. Best accessed by car and only paid parking is available. The large seated Amida statue is older than the famous one at Byodo-in. There is also a bright red pagoda nestled in a valley. The hydrangea in June are particularly famous. Hiking courses that take in Buddhist rock carvings extend into the surrounding hills. A bit on the Japanese tourist trail, but its location ensures a bit of quiet.

Historically important temple. Impressive pagoda and hondo. Nice trail hike to Gansenji, 2km, 1h. Come here via city bus Tono line from Kamo Station in about 15 minutes, bus runs every hour.

Love this beautiful temple. When it’s surrounded by hydrangeas it’s just stunning 🤩 the Instagram account is run by a really helpful guy who guided me how to get to the temple.

We came a little early to see the hydrangea in bloom, but it was still a beautiful temple.

Amazing

(Translated by Google) It is said to be a temple of flowers, and the three-storied pagoda standing in a garden filled with gorgeous flowers was beautiful. It looks small at first glance, but if you go around to the top of the mountain with a good view of Kaibukiiwa, it's quite worth seeing. The statue of Amida Nyorai in the main hall, which was carved from a single piece of wood, is quite old and is worth seeing. The gates of the Hidden Buddha will be open until the end of May, but the best time to see them is probably during the hydrangea and autumn leaves season. (Original) 花の寺と言うだけあり、華やかな花々の咲く庭に佇む三重塔が美しかったです。一見こじんまりとしていますが貝吹岩がある見晴らしの良い山の上まで周るとけっこうな見応えがあります。一本の木から彫られたという本堂の阿弥陀如来像は製作年の古さもかなりのもので一見の価値ありです。5月末までは秘仏のご開扉もありますがやはり見頃は紫陽花や紅葉の時期でしょうか。

(Translated by Google) A very quiet temple deep in the mountains. It seems that this temple was founded a long time ago when Emperor Shomu asked Mr. Gyoki to build a temple. I thought the view of the main hall from the three-storied pagoda on a slightly higher ground was very good. Also, the main image of Amida Nyorai was large and very splendid. In front of the gate, pickles and locally grown vegetables were quietly sold for sale, which I thought was very atmospheric. Parking lot is 300 yen, admission fee is 500 yen. At the main hall, the temple staff kindly explained the history and culture of the temple. It was a quiet temple where you can cleanse your soul. (Original) とても山深く静かな佇まいのお寺。その昔聖武天皇が行基さんにお願いしたのがこのお寺の起こりらしい。少し高台にある三重塔から本堂の眺めがとても良いと思いました。また御本尊の阿弥陀如来様は大きくてとても立派でした。門前にはお漬け物やその土地でとれた野菜が静かに置き売りされていてこれも情緒深いと思いました。駐車場は300円、拝観料は500円。本堂でお寺の方が親切ににお寺の歴史文化を説明して下さりました。 静かに心が洗われるお寺でした。

(Translated by Google) This ancient temple is about 15 minutes away from Kamo Station on the Yamato Line by the Kizugawa Community Bus, which runs once an hour. When you enter the main hall, a person who appears to be the chief priest will explain the origin of the temple and the Buddhist statues. In particular, Amida Nyorai Buddha seems to be the favorite, and it was emphasized that it is 100 years older than the Nine Buddhas of Joruriji Temple. The secret Buddha statues of Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu, Benzaiten, and Rakshasa are only open to the public during certain times, so we recommend checking their website in advance. The wooden statue of Fugen Bosatsu on horseback, which was originally located inside the three-storied pagoda, will soon undergo repairs, so if you miss it now, you may not be able to see it for a while. (Original) 大和路線加茂駅から1時間に1本の木津川コミュニティバスで約15分のところにある古刹です。 本堂に入ると御住職とおぼしきお方がお寺の由来や仏像について説明していただけます。 特に阿弥陀如来仏が推しのようで浄瑠璃寺の九体仏よりも100年古いと力説されていました。 秘仏の如意輪観音菩薩、弁財天、羅刹天は特定の時期しか公開されていないので事前にHP等で調べて行くことをおすすめします。 もともと三重塔内にあった厨子入木造普賢菩薩騎象像はもうすぐ修理に入るので、今を逃すとしばらく拝めなくなるかもしれません。

(Translated by Google) We arrived from National Route 24, guided by a signboard. The grounds were beautifully arranged and the temple was very pleasant. It is said that once upon a time, a crab returned the favor...As the name suggests, there are many decorations with crab motifs🦀 The National Treasure Shakyamuni Nyorai was also splendid and kind 🙂 (Original) 国道24号線から看板に導かれて到着。 敷地内、綺麗に整えられ、気持ちいいお寺さんでした🙂 昔々、蟹の恩返しがあったとか…名前の通り、蟹をモチーフにした飾りがたくさん🦀 国宝釈迦如来様も立派で、優しげでした🙂

(Translated by Google) Kanimanji Temple. You can also walk from Tamamizu Station (rapid stop) on the JR Nara Line. It's a quiet, simple temple in a village for local believers. This temple has a statue of Shaka Nyorai, a national treasure. Admission fee is 500 yen. Please pay at the reception desk on the left side of the main hall. As it is a crab temple, there are many crab charms. The most impressive thing about the principal image is the face and hands. The Buddha statues at Minamiyama Castle have large faces, but each part of this main image is particularly large. Therefore, the impression of the face of the principal image remains especially on the viewers. The hands are more like the hands of a manual worker than the hands of a Buddha. I have thick palms and thick fingers. Therefore, even though he was called Shakyamuni Tathagata, he felt very close to the people. The gentle chief priest told us that photography was not allowed inside the main hall (the picture of the deity was taken from the pamphlet), and that there were 1 restroom for men and 2 for women, and that older people should use the women's restroom. Also, there is a free parking lot, but the roads are narrow so you may want to avoid large vehicles. (Original) 蟹満寺(かにまんじ)。JR奈良線の玉水駅(快速停車)からも歩いて行けます。集落の中にある地元信者のためのひっそりとした素朴なお寺ですね。こちらのお寺には国宝の釈迦如来像があります。拝観料は500円。本堂左手の受付でお納めください。蟹満寺というだけあって、蟹のお守りも多いです。 本尊の印象はとにかく顔と手。南山城の仏像は顔を大きめに作っていますが、こちらの本尊は特に一つ一つのパーツが大きく作られています。そのため、本尊の顔の印象が特に拝観者に残ります。手も、仏の手と言うよりも肉体労働者の手。手のひらが分厚く、指も太いです。そのため、釈迦如来といいつつもとても民衆に近く感じる仏様でした。 本堂内は撮影禁止(本尊さまの写真はパンフレットのもの)、トイレは男性1、女性２、大の方は女性用をご利用くださいというお話を柔和な住職さんが言っていました。あと、無料駐車場はありますが、道が狭いので大きな車は避けた方がいいかもしれません。