Twice a year (February and August) the shrine's 3.000 lanterns are lit at the same time; access ~500 ¥.
The Mantoro festival of Kasuga Taisha is one of the most hypnotic spectacles in all of Japan: twice a year, the more than 3.000 stone and bronze lanterns that line the paths and corridors of the shrine are lit simultaneously, transforming the precinct into a dreamlike atmosphere. The festival is held on two occasions: the Setsubun Mantoro, on 3 February from 18:00 to 20:30, and the Chūgen Mantoro, on 14 and 15 August from 19:00 to 21:30. The 2.000 stone lanterns of the approach path and the 1.000 hanging lanterns of the inner corridors create a soft, golden light that gives the shrine a unique depth and solemnity. Special access during the festival costs about 500 ¥ per person; the outer grounds are free, although with the lanterns unlit the effect is completely different. Since attendance is very high, especially in August, it is advisable to arrive early and respect the marked routes. The journey from Kintetsu Nara Station by bus (line 77) takes about 15 minutes. Book accommodation in Nara well in advance if you plan to coincide with these dates, as demand is very high.
