In this picture you can see the stone lanterns that lead to the Kasuga Shrine. They are lit at the Kasuga Festivals: the Setsubun Mantoro that takes place at the beginning of February, and the Obon Mantoro, that takes place in the middle of August. The stone lanterns were donated by followers of Shinto over the years as a sign of faith and thankfulness.
Shinto is a faith that is based in nature, for this reason the Kasuga Shrine is in a wonderful natural setting. In the botanical garden you will find many wisteria flowers. Wisteria is the symbol of the Kasuga Shrine.