[2025 Nara Attraction] Travel Guide for Todai-ji Nigatsudo (February Hall) (Updated Jul)

Today, I’m moving from Nara to Osaka. Taking advantage of the clear morning weather, I decided to visit some of Nara’s scenic spots, including the popular Nara Park and the Todaiji temple complex. Before 7 a.m., the area was completely empty—no tourists, and even the deer were just waking up. It’s the perfect time to capture stunning views and experience the tranquil charm of Nara’s ancient capital! ✓ Nigatsudo Todaiji Nigatsudo is a renowned Buddhist hall located within the Todaiji temple grounds in Nara. Built in the 8th century, it serves as the venue for the “Shuni-e” ritual. The structure is built on a hillside, featuring a wooden stage that offers spectacular views of Nara city and its sunsets. The serene environment here makes it an ideal place to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient capital.

Todai-ji Temple, a famous temple in Nara, Japan. This city is said to have been the capital of Japan. This temple was built in ancient times, so it is very old and grand. It is a popular temple for tourists visiting Nara. There are many deer around the temple. You can buy food to feed the deer. The deer here are friendly and cute. It is a highlight of Nara. People call it the city of little. If you come during the cherry blossom season, this place will be decorated with beautiful cherry blossoms. Anyone who visits Nara must not miss visiting this temple. #Get a discount without relying on luck #Accommodation by the sea #narajapan #Todai-ji Temple #japan

🏯 Why Todai-ji is a Must-Visit? ✅ World's Largest Wooden Structure: The 48-meter Great Buddha Hall makes you feel tiny in its presence! ✅ "Nostril Passage" Blessing: Crawl through a hole at the base of a pillar (said to be Buddha's nostril) for good fortune ✨ ✅ Nara Period Relic: UNESCO-listed, faithfully replicating Tang Dynasty architecture ✅ Photo-op with Deer: Sacred deer roam the temple lawns, perfect for "harmony with nature" shots 📸 Must-See Highlights & Hidden Gems 【Bronze Rushana Buddha】 15m tall! The Buddha's palm dwarfs humans - don't miss the intricate lotus pedestal carvings Fun fact: The current statue is an Edo-period reconstruction after war destruction 【Nandaimon Gate & Kongo Rikishi】 8m tall "Nio Guardian Kings" (National Treasures) with textbook-perfect muscle carvings 【February Hall Panorama】 Climb 108 stone steps for sweeping views of Nara Basin + sunset (photographer's secret spot) 【Easter Egg】 Find the hidden "Kokuzo Bosatsu" statue behind the main hall - rubbing its foot boosts memory 🧠 Monthly "Omizutori" ritual features torch-running monks (reservation required) 🍱 Local Food Picks "Todai-ji Sando Chaya": Try Nara's signature persimmon-leaf sushi with matcha "Shizuka": Specializing in kama-meshi rice dishes, with adorable Buddha-shaped bento "Daibutsu Pudding": Must-try caramel flavor, collectible jars available "When sunlight filters through ancient woodwork to touch the bronze Buddha's fingertips— In that moment, you'll understand eternity." Todai-ji Temple, Nara, Nara Prefecture

#osakaitinerary In a day trip to Nara from Osaka (or Kyoto), what one really shouldn’t miss out is Todai-ji, which is my favourite Buddhist temple in Japan. The compound is HUGE. What people normally go to is the main hall (Daibutsuden), which is shockingly mega in size along with the statues inside it. The photo here simply couldn’t do justice to it. But aside from the main hall, I personally also recommend Nigatsu-do, which is at the highest ground of the entire temple and serve as a good sunset spot. Many photographers (and couples) were there waiting for a good shot.

Todaiji Temple, the head temple of the Kegon sect of Buddhism in Japan, was first built in 728 CE. As the Buddhist center during the Nara period (710-794), it is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site among the "Cultural Assets of Ancient Nara." Located in the northeastern part of Nara Park, Todaiji forms a historical axis with Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple. With Mount Kasuga's primeval forest at its back, Mount Wakakusa's triple peaks to the east, and the reflective waters of Kagami Pond to the west, these natural barriers gently separate it from urban noise. This thousand-year-old monastery's silent poem houses a 15-meter-tall bronze Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue—this giant Buddha, cast in the 8th century, has survived fires and reconstructions to remain a symbol of Japan's "national spirit" today. Temple buildings such as Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do are scattered at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, weaving together with ancient pines and cypresses to create an enduring sense of Zen across time and space. The beauty of Todaiji lies in the eternal dialogue between architecture and nature. When the evening sun stretches the shadow of the Great Buddha Hall to the far side of Kagami Pond, when night cherry blossoms fall into the moss garden during quiet hours, the temple reveals its most authentic face: not as a tourist attraction, but as a vessel of Zen that has crystallized 1,200 years of time. Here, silence is not the absence of sound, but a Buddhist chant composed by ancient trees, bronze Buddha, and mountain winds. Transportation Guide 1. From Osaka: Take the Kintetsu Nara Line to "Kintetsu Nara Station," exit 5, then transfer to the city loop bus (outer loop) to "Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae" stop, and walk 5 minutes to reach the South Gate. 2. From Kyoto: Take the JR Nara Line to "Nara Station," then transfer to a bus for approximately 12 minutes. 3. If walking from Kintetsu Nara Station, stroll along Sanjodori Street for 20 minutes, passing through Nara Park's deer herds and maple forests—an excellent path to immerse yourself in the ancient capital's atmosphere. Silent Exploration Route 1. Dawn Bell Slip in through the South Gate before daybreak. The 25-meter-high gate tower, rebuilt during the Kamakura period with gilded copper tiles, appears and disappears in the thin mist. After passing through the gate, stone lanterns covered in moss silently line both sides of the 380-meter approach, with the silhouette of the Great Buddha Hall's ornamental roof ridge gradually becoming clear at the end. At this moment, before tourists arrive, only the morning prayer bell ripples through the pine trees. 2. Light and Shadow Narrative of the Great Buddha Hall Inside the hall, giant wooden pillars stand like a deep forest. Morning light cuts diagonally through the diamond-patterned windows, revealing the compassionate face of the bronze Buddha statue in alternating light and shadow. Circle the Buddha three times, noting the Tang dynasty pearl patterns and flying apsara reliefs on the lotus pedestal base—evidence of Tempyo era craftsmen incorporating Silk Road aesthetics. Avoid midday crowds by visiting on rainy days, when the sound of raindrops hitting thousand-year-old cypress bark transforms the building's grandeur into a kind of intimate whisper. 3. The Suspended Secret Realm of Nigatsu-do Climb the small path northeast of the Great Buddha Hall for 10 minutes to reveal Nigatsu-do, suspended on a cliff. This Edo-period building uses no iron nails, with its corridor floor more than 50 meters above the Kasuga Valley—like a floating pavilion when mist rises. The "viewing window" on the west side faces Kagami Pond; on clear autumn and winter days, you can see the reflection of the Buddha Hall in the pond and the moment birds break the boundary between water and sky. 4. Moss Garden and Deer Shadows The moss garden behind Sangatsu-do is a little-known secret realm. Moss grows like velvet carpets over tree roots and fragments of stone Buddha statues, giving off an emerald luster during the rainy season. Although stepping on it is prohibited, you can sit quietly at the edge and watch deer herds lightly treading the moss paths, their antlers and the temple's silhouette layering into an ink-wash scroll painting in the twilight. Important Notes 1. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the temple grounds have many gravel paths and steep steps; morning dew in spring and autumn can make surfaces slippery, so anti-slip hiking shoes are recommended. 2. Tripods are prohibited inside the Great Buddha Hall; turn off flash when photographing Buddha statues. The wooden floor of Nigatsu-do corridor is fragile, so avoid running or heavy steps. 3. Nara deer are wild; avoid carrying paper products (they may eat them by mistake); when deer bow to you, they are asking for food—don't panic or run away. 4. The temple closes early at 16:30 during certain seasons; bringing a flashlight is recommended for exploring the lantern paths at dusk.

#Nara Attractions Nara Nigatsudo Temple is located halfway up a mountain and is a place of worship that makes people feel comfortable. The environment here is tranquil and surrounded by natural beauty, which makes people feel a peaceful atmosphere. Here you can worship quietly, feel the divine power, and walk in the mountains, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Whether it is the tranquility in the morning light or the golden time under the sunset, Nigatsu-do can soothe the soul. Useful information: It is recommended to come in the early morning or evening to enjoy fewer tourists and a better atmosphere, making your visit experience more profound! 🍂🍃 #MarchGoodPlaces2025

In Kansai, it is said that it gets warmer after the Omizutori ceremony It takes place every year from March 1st to 14th Formally called "Shunie", it is a Buddhist ceremony held at Nigatsudo - Monks (Rengyoshu) who have purified their mind and body chant the sacred name in front of the Eleven-Headed Kannon and repent through ascetic practices - Water is drawn from the Wakasai well in Nigatsudo and the sacred pure water "Okouzui" is offered to the Eleven-Headed Kannon - Torches are lit and people are showered with sparks to pray for health and prosperity for the year Just at midnight on March 12th, Kannon Bodhisattva is drawn from the Wakasai well in front of Nigatsudo. It was the day of the ceremony to draw up the "Osoi" offerings. You can go up to Nigatsudo until 5pm. The inside of the fence was full at that point. Those who want to be showered with sparks can come earlier. Our position was out of the shadows of people and very easy to see. The 11 torches showed us beautiful sparks in their own way. It was moving. It was my first time, but I would like to go again next year on a different day. Please go and see it. The Nandaimon Gate on the way back was also lit up and impressive. Be sure to check out the bullets with the notice. #Domestic travel trip #Nara trip #Domestic travel #Todaiji Temple #Girls trip

Nara's Todaiji Temple, also known as the Great Kegon Temple, was first built in 745 AD. It was Empress Komyo, who was known as the "Wu Zetian" of Nara, who urged Emperor Tenmu to build it. Its temples and Buddha statues are modeled after the Purple Palace Paradise in Luoyang and the Giant Buddha in Longmen Grottoes built by Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. The Great Buddha was cast in 752 AD, and the Great Buddha Hall was completed in 758 AD. The then Emperor Tenmu, Empress Dowager Komyo and his daughter Empress Koken personally participated in the ceremony. In 753, Jianzhen gave precepts to Emperor Tenmu here. Todaiji Temple became a famous royal temple and was the head temple of Japanese Buddhism during its heyday. After the end of the Heian period, the Buddhist temple and the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple were destroyed and rebuilt many times due to war. The front of the Great Buddha Hall is about 57 meters wide, 50 meters deep and 48 meters high. It is the largest wooden building in the world. Standing in front of it, you can't help but be attracted by its grandeur and simplicity. The Great Buddha Hall was restored to its Kamakura period style during multiple restorations during the Meiji and Showa eras, so it is not a Tang-style building, but a Song-style building combined with local Japanese style. Before visiting Todaiji Temple, you can first visit the Todaiji Museum (photography is prohibited inside the museum). The museum houses important treasures such as gilded Buddha statues, jewelry, swords, etc. that were once enshrined in the base of the Great Buddha, as well as restoration explanations and Todaiji Temple's unique tile-style displays. There are also the central gate, the statue of Vajrapani, and the gold-bronze octagonal lantern in the Todaiji Temple, which are national treasures of Japan. There are Chinese interpreters available for rent before entering the Great Buddha Hall, which will help you better understand the exhibits in the hall (you can take photos inside the hall). Inside the Great Buddha Hall, there is a 15-meter-tall giant statue of Vairocana Buddha. The Buddha's belly and part of the lotus throne are original from the Nara period, while the other parts have been gradually restored over the ages. There are also seated statues of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva, Ruyilun Bodhisattva, Garuda, Virūpākṣa and Vairocana in the Great Buddha Hall for people to worship. Todaiji Temple covers a vast area, and there are places to visit such as Nigatsu-do, Sangatsu-do, bell tower, and Hokke-do in the temple. Climbing up to the Nigatsudo platform, you can overlook the Great Buddha Hall and the city of Nara. Shosoin is the treasure house in the temple, which houses national treasures such as the calligraphy of Emperor Tenmu from the Nara period, the eye-opening brush of the Great Buddha, and the five-stringed Tang Dynasty mother-of-pearl sandalwood pipa. The museum has a collection of more than 9,000 cultural relics and is only open to the public in autumn every year, with only more than 70 pieces of collections on display each time. Todaiji Temple Museum and Great Buddha Hall combined ticket: 1,200 yen Rental fee for the Great Buddha Hall audio guide: 500 yen Opening hours: 9:30-17:00

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 When you step into Nigatsu-do, it feels like you have walked into a secluded paradise. This ancient temple in Nara, with its long history and peaceful environment, brings a sense of spiritual cleansing to people. At this time, there is no noise of tourists around, only the whisper of the breeze blowing the leaves, as if telling stories of the past. The wooden structure of Nigatsudo exudes a subtle fragrance, and the ancient wood blends perfectly with the surrounding natural scenery. When you stand in front of the temple and overlook the mountains and green trees in the distance, you can't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility in your heart. Every inch of land here reveals the charm of history, as if time has stopped here, making people linger. In this pure land, whether you are sitting in meditation or taking a leisurely stroll, you can feel a deep peace. The fresh air is filled with the fragrance of nature, which allows people to completely relax their minds. Nigatsudo is an ideal place to seek inner peace, allowing people to forget worldly worries and immerse themselves in the beauty of this paradise. Useful information: Nigatsudo is open all year round. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or evening to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere. There are many trails nearby for those who love hiking. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the natural beauty.

In Nara, Nigatsudo sits atop a small hill, basking in sunlight that makes the entire place exceptionally bright. This ancient temple is renowned for its magnificent wooden structure and tranquil environment. Whether at dawn or dusk, one can feel a sense of harmony that is detached from the world. From the observation deck of Nigatsudo, the cityscape of Nara unfolds before your eyes. The distant mountains and forests intertwine, creating a captivating picture. Under the sunlight, the treetops glisten as if each leaf is telling a story of life. On such a winter afternoon, visitors sit quietly under the sun, enjoying this moment of peace. Nigatsudo is not only a place of religious faith but also a haven for the soul. Every corner here exudes ancient wisdom, immersing people in contemplation and reflection. Whether sitting alone in silence or sharing with friends, the winter sunshine of Nigatsudo adds infinite charm to this beautiful place.

#Osaka Itinerary Heading to Nigatsudo Temple in Nara from Osaka is an exciting excursion. Although the sky was overcast, the weather added a unique atmosphere to the entire trip. In the morning, I took a train from Osaka and enjoyed the scenery of the city gradually being replaced by greenery along the way. The train was traveling through the quiet suburbs, and the fields and mountains outside the window seemed to be waving to me. After about half an hour's drive, I arrived in Nara. After exiting the station, I chose to walk to Nigatsudo. Walking on the street, although the sky was gloomy, the surrounding trees and ancient buildings exuded a faint tranquility. Along the way, the small shops and cafes on the roadside exuded tempting aromas, which made me want to stop for a while. When I arrived at Nigatsudo, I was pleasantly surprised by the scenery. This ancient temple is located on a hill overlooking downtown Nara. Despite the cloudy day, Nigatsudo still exudes a mysterious beauty. The wooden structure of the temple blends perfectly with the surrounding natural environment, giving people a sense of the weight of history. Inside the Nigatsu-do Hall, I quietly admired the ancient Buddha statues and exquisite carvings. The atmosphere in the temple made me feel peaceful, as if all my worries had drifted away with the dark clouds. In a corner, I found an observation deck overlooking Nara. Although the clouds were low, I could still feel the charm of the city. After the tour, I tasted Nara's specialty food - Nara pickles at a nearby food stall. Although the weather was gloomy, the taste of the food made me happy. Afterwards, I strolled through Nara Park and saw the leisurely deer. These lovely creatures didn’t seem to care no matter what the weather was like and just enjoyed life. After a day's trip, I took the train back to Osaka. Although it was cloudy during this trip to Nara, I felt a unique sense of tranquility and beauty. The antiquity and mystery of Nigatsu-do left me with a deep impression of Nara, and I look forward to exploring more beautiful scenery next time.

📍Address: 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8211 Todaiji Temple Nigatsudo 💞Reasons why we recommend it: When you go around the grounds of Todaiji Temple, there is a spot where you can see a beautiful sunset! That is Nigatsudo 🤩 It is said to be very famous, and not only Japanese but also foreign tourists were watching the beautiful sunset sky ❤️ Of course, we went a little early, and everyone was on standby for a long time for the sunset 😂 I also made sure to check the timing of the sun setting before going around 🥰 It was a really beautiful view 😘 If you have time, please check the sunset time and go there 🙌

Overall, there are more deer than I expected. Traveling is convenient, you can take either Kintetsu or JR, then transfer to a bus or walk. The bus fare is the same for all routes, just tap your card when you get off at the front door. The dango wasn't very tasty. Shops open quite late, typical of Japan. Each spot is quite far from each other, so you should allow some extra time.

The Nara Toukae Festival, where famous historical sites in Nara Prefecture are illuminated in a fantastic way, is held for about 10 days in early August every year! ...

When going to Nara Park, most people choose to focus on Todaiji Temple and the cute deer, February Hall was once destroyed by fire and then rebuilt, I chose to walk up the stairs because there are not many people there, plus it is densely populated, you can look back down to Nara Park from above and be alone, breathe and appreciate the breath of nature #JapanKorea Spring Good Places #Osaka Attractions

Nigatsu-dō, a National Treasure of Japan just like the must-visit Great Buddha Hall at Tōdai-ji, is also worth a visit. Nigatsu-dō is located on the hillside northeast of the Great Buddha Hall. The current building was reconstructed after a fire in 1667 and is one of the important wooden structures within Tōdai-ji, known as a famous Kannon pilgrimage site. Built on the side of the mountain, Nigatsu-dō is often compared with Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera and shares the same 'stage' design. Inside Nigatsu-dō are the large and small eleven-faced Kannon statues that are never open to the public, as well as two statues known as 'absolutely secret Buddhas.' From the veranda of the main hall of Nigatsu-dō, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Nara. Perhaps it is because Tōdai-ji is too crowded and noisy with tourists, Nigatsu-dō, by contrast, is like a peaceful training ground, standing quietly in the midst of the mountains and forests. There is no better place in Nara to watch the sunset than at Nigatsu-dō, where the tranquility of the ancient capital and the silence of the Buddhist hall make time stand still, as if returning to a thousand years ago.

Todaiji (東大寺) is a Buddhist temple located in Nara, Japan. It is designated as UNESCO World Heritage site. The construction of the Daibutsu (大仏) was completed in 752 AD and is 15m high. There is a hole in a wooden pillar which is the same size as the nostrils of the Daibutsu. You can go through if you're small enough. The width is 30cm and the length is 37cm. Be careful not to get stuck!! The admission is ¥600 and buses are available from Nara station to Todaiji (You can also access on foot). #japan #temple #historicculture #nara #daibutsu #worldheritage

The New Year's Day holiday is just a good time to go to Nara to play. The February Hall is a church built for the February meeting. It has several steps. A wooden building stands on the hill. The iron bells ring and the cigarettes in the air linger. I stood on the corridor of the attic and looked down at Nara. In the faint green trees of the Tangwa of Dongda Temple, the homes of the people are unobstructed. This is Nara, and if it meets the setting sun, it must be beautiful.

On both sides of the mountain road in February, there are donations of lights, recording the contributions of devout believers. There is no high-rise building in sight, and some are just full of greenery and a corner of the looming building. There is no feeling that the land in which it belongs is the second largest economy in the world. It is even a bit ruined. This degree of economic development is at most a rural-urban junction. However, the citizens of Nara are smart. They have preserved the past of the city and the country's past for themselves, leaving precious wealth for future generations.

February Hall is a well-known place to watch sunsets in Nara. The February Hall is actually part of the Todaiji Temple. But it's free. February Church in the sunset. Maybe it's a matter of time. There are very few tourists here. Said to be the sunset, in fact, the time is still very early, around 4 o'clock. The weather is indeed very good today, but the clouds are too few, and the sunset is not as amazing as the Kyoto Tower. And... In the open air, the temperature drops very quickly after sunset. The strange thing is that there are mosquitoes in such a cold... plus I can't find a place to put my little tripod, give up shooting the night scene.