奈良 Nara, Japan
Camera：SONY FDR-AX45
0:23 金龍神社 Kinryu Shrine
0:55 夫婦大國社 Meoto-daikokusha Shrine
2:16 春日大社 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
6:01 東大寺 Todai-ji Temple
10:56 興福寺 Kofuku-ji Temple
14:45 近鉄奈良駅 Kintetsu Nara Station
MAP
The Wakamiya Onmatsuri at Kasugataisha Shrine 2017
[ Maniac Japan Travel -Kansai ]
Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) is Nara's most celebrated shrine. It was established at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Kasuga Taisha was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara, Japan's most powerful family clan during most of the Nara and Heian Periods. Like the Ise Shrines, Kasuga Taisha had been periodically rebuilt every 20 years for many centuries. In the case of Kasuga Taisha, however, the custom was discontinued at the end of the Edo Period.
Beyond the shrine's offering hall, which can be visited free of charge, there is a paid inner area which provides a closer view of the shrine's inner buildings. Furthest in is the main sanctuary, containing multiple shrine buildings that display the distinctive Kasuga style of shrine architecture, characterized by a sloping roof extending over the front of the building.
Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshipers. Hundreds of bronze lanterns can be found hanging from the buildings, while as many stone lanterns line its approaches. The lanterns are only lit twice a year during two Lantern Festivals, one in early February and one in mid August.
There are many smaller auxiliary shrines in the woods around Kasuga Taisha, twelve of which are located along a path past the main shrine complex and are dedicated to the twelve lucky gods. Among them are Wakamiya Shrine, an important cultural property known for its dance festival, and Meoto Daikokusha, which enshrines married deities and is said to be fortuitous to matchmaking and marriage.
The Wakamiya Onmatsuri takes place annually at Kasugataisha Shrine in December. A range of events is held over four days from December 15 to 18, with the main parade held on December 17. The festival has been held consecutively for nearly 900 years and the performances associated with it have been designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. On December 17, a procession of priests, samurai, and locals in 12th century attire start from outside the prefectural office and make their way along the main street, Sanjo-dori, eventually arriving at Kasugataisha late at night. Shinto dance (kagura) and traditional courtly song and dance (bugaku) are performed along the route, with a variety of other festivities occurring sporadically.