Kasugayama Mountain, standing behind Kazuga Taisha Shrine, has been regarded as a holy precinct since ancient time. Since hunting and logging were prohibited in 841AD, it has been protected from human activities and remains as a virgin forest for over 1100 years. Kasuga Primeval Forest, a World Heritage Site, is the area adjacent to Kasuga Taisha Shrine including mountains such as the Kasugayama, Mikasayama, Hanayama and Hoyama. It is designated as one of Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. The forest contains over 1400 giant trees, the largest number in any forest in Japan, and numerous rare animals and plants. Access to the most of the forest is still prohibited though it is possible to drive through a part of it from Nara Okuyama Drive Way. There are hiking paths around the forest and visitors can enjoy the divine view that has been unchanged to this day for over 1000 years.