One of the most majestic place I had to visit in the area (Nara).
The look on the horizon from the top is awesome and worth climbing the stairs to get the view.
Once you are upstairs, you can find an area to rest and get free drinks.
Please, be respectful of the place you visit. I've seen too many folks throwing their trash around like they never had an education before. Keep a bag with you and put your trash in it. When you find a trash bin, empty your bag. As simple as that. 💕🌺
Todaiji Temple’s Nigatsudo, located in Nara, is one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist structures and a significant sub-temple of the Todaiji complex. Perched on the hillside of Mount Wakakusa, Nigatsudo (literally “Hall of the Second Month”) offers breathtaking views of Nara city and a serene atmosphere ideal for reflection.
Built in 752 CE, Nigatsudo is best known as the site of the annual Omizutori ceremony, a centuries-old Buddhist rite held every March. This ritual, which dates back more than 1,250 years, involves monks performing sacred fire ceremonies and drawing water from a sacred well believed to have healing properties. Omizutori symbolizes spiritual purification and renewal, attracting thousands of visitors each year to witness the dramatic spectacle of blazing torches being carried along the temple’s balcony.
The architecture of Nigatsudo is both beautiful and functional. Its wooden balcony provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area, and its steep stairways and intricate carvings showcase the craftsmanship of the Nara period. Visitors often climb these steps to enjoy the peaceful ambiance and to light incense in prayer.
The temple is also a designated part of Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, underscoring its cultural and historical importance. Despite its fame, Nigatsudo retains a tranquil and less commercialized atmosphere compared to Todaiji’s Great Buddha Hall, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a more intimate experience with Japan’s spiritual heritage. A visit to Nigatsudo is a journey into Japan’s timeless traditions and sacred landscapes.
The big Daibutsi is located in the Todaji Temple, not this place. This place is a panoramic hall of the temple which offers the gratest view ever. After visiting Kasuga Taisha, there is a route that you can enjoy the vintage style building along with the sourvenirs shop, but that's not the most important part. The best thing about this place is it's free! this place is another place with No Entrance Fee at all, and it is not too crowded. 10/10👏👏👏
From our visit to Nara, we liked the Tōdaiji Nigatsudo temple the most. It has a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture and great views of the valley. There also a lot of water features, shop and seating area in the temple for anyone to enjoy.
This temple is a hidden gem of the Nara complex and you should definitely go there. There was almost noone compared to the crowds at the main temple. Such a nice contrast! You can get the beautiful view on Kyoto, watch Buddhists praying in the temple and plying the instruments, as well as huge bamboos used as a water drainage system on the floor. There is a very peaceful vibe going around ans you can have the walk back in the small streets listening to the water.
