At the foot of a deeply forested hill where sacred deer await handouts, this sprawling 8th-century Shinto shrine is a visual feast of hanging lanterns — thousands of stone lanterns line the approach and bronze lanterns hang from every eave. Twice a year during the Mantoro Lantern Festival, all 3,000 are lit at once, transforming the shrine into a flickering sea of amber light. Until the 19th century, the entire complex was rebuilt every 20 years, keeping the ancient techniques alive. The vermilion buildings against the dark forest create one of Nara's most photogenic compositions.