Many hanging lanterns lit in Fujinaminoya, which was originally a staff room for Shinto priests

The corridors of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine are lined with hanging lanterns. These lanterns were donated not only by aristocrats and samurai who worshiped the Kasuga no Kami, but also by ordinary people, including some dedicated by famous historical figures. In the past, oil was paid for the lanterns when they were dedicated, and the lanterns were lit every night as long as the oil lasted. The sight of thousands of lanterns twinkling in the dark without electric lights must have been spectacular.

The nightly lighting of lanterns was discontinued in the Meiji period (1868-1912) due to the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism and changes in the shrine system. Today, all of the approximately 3,000 lanterns on the grounds are lit only on Setsubun Night and Chugen Night (August 15). Instead, the Fujinami-no-ya, which used to be a staff room for priests in one corner of the corridor, is darkened and lit fishing lanterns are hung inside. This was a small experience of Kasuga Taisha under the cover of night.

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