Japan/Honshu: Nara – Kasuga-taisha Shrine
Kasuga-taisha Shrine is absolutely spectacular and is a true gem among the Nara temples, easily on par with Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto (both are Shinto shrines). The shrine was established in 768, and is famous for its beautiful forest setting in the Kasugayama primeval forest and thousands of lanterns of all shapes and sizes – stone and bronze – adoring the route to the shrine and the shrine itself. These lanterns are donated by worshippers and are lit only during the Lantern Festivals (that have been held for over 1000 years). The path to the shrine leads through the forest with hundreds of free roaming sika deer and look super photogenic next to stone lanterns (there are over 3000 stone lanterns) – the deer are believed to be secret messengers of Shinto gods. The shrine buildings are also beautiful – bright red/vermilion is color and exquisitely ornate. The shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
