Kasuga-taisha

The stunning contrast between the shrine halls' vermillion columns, white walls, and cypress roof with the lush greens of the surrounding ancient woods creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The appearance of the buildings remains unchanged thanks to the "Shikinen Zotai" ceremony held every 20 years, which involves repairing and renewing the structures, tools, and instruments and performing rituals according to tradition. With over 3,000 auxiliary shrines across Japan and donated lanterns, Kasuga Taisha is a highly revered shrine. Daily services are still offered as they were in ancient times, and over 2,200 festivals are held annually. Prayers for peace and wellbeing continue to be offered to this day. In 1998, the shrine and Kasugayama Primeval Forest were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".