Site of the East and West Pagodas of Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Two pagodas once stood to the north of the first torii gate. The western pagoda was built in 1116 by Fujiwara no Tadazane (1078–1162), a member of the influential Fujiwara clan that founded Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The eastern tower was constructed in 1140 by order of Emperor Toba (1103–1156).
Both towers burned to the ground in 1180 during a battle. They were rebuilt thereafter but were struck by lightning and burned down again in 1411.
The pagodas are depicted in the Kasuga Mandala, and are similar to the five-storied pagoda of nearby Kofukuji Temple. The foundation stones of the two pagodas may be found near the Nara National Museum.