Nara was Japan’s first great capital. The city where the country’s early court culture, Buddhism, politics and shrine traditions took shape in the 8th century.

Kasuga Taisha sits inside that history. Founded in 768, it became the shrine of the Fujiwara clan, one of the most powerful families in Japanese history.

Its founding legend says the deity Takemikazuchi came to Mount Mikasa on the back of a white deer, which is why Nara’s deer came to be treated as sacred messengers. The shrine is also known for its long forest approach and thousands of stone and bronze lanterns