Capital of Heijo built for spiritual protectionGet off at Nara station on the Kintetsu line, and you will see a big entrance gate of the shrine on your left as you look towards along Todaiji. Go through that gate and walk through Nara park and you will reach the shrine Kasuga Taisha, built for the spiritual protection of Heijokyo. |
Observing the dedication dancesThe day Nakata visited, the ritual ”Takigi Onoh Shushihashiri no gi” was to take place, and the Konparu school’s ”Okina” was scheduled. ”Jushi” is a Buddhist ritual to ward off and protect the space from evil. The big and fierce movements of this ritual gave it the name ”Jushi bashiri”. It is said to be one of the oldest ”jushi” art. In the past, priests had enacted these rituals, but with time performers took their place. Now in current times, the main role is performed by the character ”Okina”. |
ACCESS
- Kasuga Taisha
- 169 Kasuganocho Nara-shi Nara
- URL http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/