Todai-ji Temple

Nigatsu-do

A Hillside Hall

with Nara’s Most Serene Views

Perched on the eastern hillside of Todai-ji Temple, Nigatsu-do (“Hall of the Second Month”) is a hidden gem with deep spiritual roots and one of the best panoramic views in all of Nara. Originally constructed in 752 CE, this wooden hall is most famous for hosting Omizutori—a sacred fire ceremony held annually since the 8th century, making it one of Japan’s oldest continuous religious rituals.

Omizutori, held every March, involves giant torches that rain sparks over the audience below, believed to purify sins and usher in a bountiful year. The ceremony draws thousands, yet the hall remains quiet and reflective outside of this time, offering visitors a peaceful escape with profound atmosphere.

Unlike the grandeur of the Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsu-do is more intimate—built into the hillside with a wide veranda that overlooks Nara Park, the city skyline, and even Mt. Wakakusa. Its wooden balcony becomes especially magical during sunrise or cherry blossom season.

For those seeking spiritual resonance and natural beauty with fewer crowds, Todai-ji Nigatsu-do is a must-visit destination that reveals the contemplative side of Nara’s ancient soul.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Nigatsu-do to life.

Traditional Japanese wooden temple on a hillside with stone stairs, greenery, and a small red fence around a tree
People ascending stone steps leading to a traditional Japanese shrine, flanked by stone lanterns and surrounded by trees.
People standing on a wooden balcony of a traditional Japanese temple, with stone and engraved markers in the foreground and cloudy sky in the background.
Traditional Japanese wooden temple with large paper lanterns hanging in front, with steps leading up to the entrance and Japanese signage above.
A traditional Japanese water fountain with a dragon sculpture, located under a wooden structure at a shrine, with wooden plaques hanging on both sides.
Close-up of a traditional Japanese water fountain with bamboo spouts and a stone basin, with water flowing and moss on the edges.
People sightseeing on the wooden balcony of a traditional Japanese temple or shrine, with trees and rooftops in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Silhouettes of traditional Japanese hanging lanterns with a cityscape and mountains in the background, under a cloudy sky.
People inside and outside a traditional wooden building, possibly a temple, with hanging lanterns and candles, and a view of trees and sky in the background.
Traditional Japanese temple with wooden architecture, sliding doors, lanterns, and stone lanterns in the background, surrounded by greenery.
Person with a black backpack looking out over a cityscape with traditional Japanese rooftops and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
A traditional Japanese temple complex with tiled roofs, surrounded by trees and greenery, with a cityscape and mountains in the background.
Traditional Japanese wooden temple with people on the balcony, against cloudy sky and trees.
A deer grazing on grass among rocks and trees in front of a wooden structure.
Interior of a Japanese restaurant or shop with various traditional artwork and decorations on the walls, a wooden table in the foreground, and a counter area with a sign, sanitizer bottle, and utensils. There is steam and a covered kettle or stove in
People walking through a covered wooden corridor at a traditional Japanese temple or historic site with tiled rooftops and greenery visible outside.