16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
The Worshipers' Lanterns of Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine

Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine in Nara, Japan is famous for its numerous worshipers' lanterns. Inside the shrine sanctuary are bronze lanterns (pictured here). Lining the path up to the sanctuary through Deer Park are numerous stone lanterns. Along this path, deer roam freely and are believed to be sacred messengers of the Shinto gods that inhabit the shrine and surrounding terrain.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2018
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: Nara, Japan
Camera: E-M1MarkII
Copyright: © Julian Pollak