Kasuga-taisha Treasure House

Overview

The Kasuga-taisha Treasure House (Kasuga Taisha Kokuhokan) displays a rotating selection from the shrine's vast collection of over 3,000 ritual objects, weapons, armor, masks, and ceremonial items offered to the shrine over more than 1,200 years.

Highlights

• National Treasures: The collection includes 520 designated National Treasures — one of the highest concentrations of any single institution in Japan.
• Armor and Weapons: Extraordinary suits of samurai armor, decorated swords, and ceremonial weapons donated by noble families showcase the finest martial craftsmanship of medieval Japan.
• Bugaku Masks: A collection of ancient bugaku (court dance) masks used in ceremonies at the shrine, some dating from the Heian period, with vivid expressions.

History

Since its founding in 768, Kasuga-taisha has received offerings from the imperial court, the Fujiwara clan, and countless devotees. The treasure house was built to safely display this incomparable collection while maintaining the shrine's role as an active place of worship.

Visitor Tips

• Rotating Displays: The collection rotates throughout the year — each visit reveals different items from the vast holdings.
• Shrine Combination: Include the treasure house in your Kasuga-taisha visit for the full experience.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.