Kasuga Taisha

To appreciate just how powerful the Fujiwara family was during the eighth century, head first to Kofuku-ji, the family temple, then here to the family shrine. Officially established in 768, though likely to be older, this shrine does for lanterns what Fushimi Inari Taisha does for shrine gateposts. There are about 2,000 stone lanterns and a further 1,000 hanging bronze lanterns decorating the shrine and its grounds. Between 2nd and 4th February and 15th and 16th August, crowds flock to see them illuminated. Other good times to visit are 13th March for a performance of gagaku (the music and dance of the imperial court) and late April to early May, when the wisteria are in bloom.