What other travelers are saying about Nigatsu-do Hall
This was one of the most atmospheric spots I visited in Nara. The walk up was memorable in itself - a long, steep staircase lined with stones inscribed with kanji dedications from worshippers. At the top stood the beautiful Nigatsu-dō Hall, founded in 752 CE by the monk Sanetada. Despite its age, it has survived almost entirely intact, with only the Raido chapel added later in 1200.
Across from the main hall, I stopped by a small building to get a goshuin. The rain had started coming down hard by then, and I was thankful for the shelter while waiting. Once it eased up, I took time to explore the wooden corridors, admire the rows of lanterns, and take in the view from the elevated platform overlooking the temple grounds and Nara’s lush greenery below. Even with the mist and clouds, it was a serene and unforgettable visit.
Nigatsu-do Hall is situated on the hillside east of the Great Buddha Hall, within the Todai-ji Temple complex in Nara.
Visitors can admire the hall's impressive wooden structure and expansive veranda that offers panoramic views of Nara. The interior, although not always open to the public, contains valuable statues and religious artifacts.
Nigatsu-do Hall is accessible within the Todai-ji Temple grounds. Visitors can walk from either Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station. The walk from these stations to Todai-ji, where Nigatsu-do is located, takes about 30-45 minutes.
The most notable event at Nigatsu-do is the Omizutori, part of the Shuni-e ceremony in March. This event involves dramatic and beautiful fire rituals that attract many spectators.
Randomly finding myself here after exiting the main Buddha hall. You get a nice top down view of Nara from the temple up the stairs. No admission fees are required.
Went here to see sunset.
A local man told us his best sunset photo was at 7:25pm and at 8PM the bell nearby will be rung (the bell is right before we go up the stairs where many vending machines are)
Also met a kind photographer, he showed us all his great shots of the sunset and some of a festival with fire!
Super cool pic! If he ever approaches you (especially if u bring a camera, he probably approached us because I was taking pics using a camera) please compliment him!
I thought the pictures are awesome but I'm not a very expressive person (and I'm shy, so I didn't talk a lot, plus language barrier, I did use google translator since he seems to want have a conversation but I run out of topic and it was already dark so we needed to go)
