Stone Lanterns at Kasuga Shrine, 1960-1970

by Itō Nisaburō

About This Print

The artist's depiction of the stone lanterns leading up the stairs to Kyoto's Kasuga Grand Shrine (Kasuga Taisha), officially founded in 768 and rebuilt in 1863. As the lanterns are lit, it is likely during the lantern festivals Setsubun Mantoro in early February or Chugen Mantoro in mid-August.

The Stone Lanterns of Kasuga Shrine

Source: JapanTravel website article by Justin Velgus  https://en.japantravel.com/nara/the-stone-lanterns-of-kasuga-shrine/3202 [accessed 4-8-24]

"The Kasuga Grand Shrine, known as Kasuga Taisha in Japanese, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a long history and importance to Nara citizens and Japan as a whole. While the shrine is spectacular, an equally amazing view to soak in is the 3000 lanterns located in Nara Park along the walk to Kasuga. 

The 3000 lanterns are symbolic of the 3000 Kasuga shrines spread throughout Japan. Furthermore, lanterns are a symbol of illumination, a guiding light." 

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