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

Day 1: In-Depth Nara Park Tour Transportation: 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station; bicycle rental recommended (1,000 yen/day) for more flexibility Best timing: Arrive at Ukimido 30 minutes before sunrise, best light from 6:00-8:00 AM Insider tip: Purchase the "Special Deer Senbei Set" (500 yen including feed + photo guide) and learn interaction techniques from experienced deer caretakers Food spot: Try the limited-edition cherry blossom bento at "Sakura-an" near the park's east gate Day 2: World Heritage Cherry Blossom Route Recommended route: Todaiji Temple → Nigatsu-do → Sangatsu-do → Kasuga Taisha Shrine (about 3 km total) Must-see spot: "Mirror Pond Cherry Blossoms" in front of Todaiji's Great South Gate - the reflection is more stunning than the actual trees Photography tip: The "Thousand Lanterns Cherry Blossoms" at Kasuga Taisha are best photographed at noon when sunlight creates spots through lanterns onto petals Rest stop: "Hanami Set" (1,200 yen) at Kasuga Hachaya, including seasonal cherry blossom wagashi Day 3: Mount Yoshino Day Trip Transportation: Kintetsu Limited Express (1 hour 20 minutes) + cable car (8 minutes); recommend purchasing "Yoshinoyama Tour Pass" (3,600 yen) Best viewing area: Nakasebon Observatory, overlooking thousands of cherry trees Expert tip: Valley cherry blossoms in Okusenbon area bloom later, perfect for avoiding peak crowds Must-try food: "Sakura Fubuki" flowing somen noodles (800 yen) with cherry petals spinning in the stream Day 4: Slow Life in Naramachi Recommended route: Lattice House → Naramachi Monogatari-kan → Sarusawa Pond Activity: "Washi Cherry Blossom Crafting" at Naramachi Workshop (1,500 yen/person, reservation required) Coffee break: Cherry blossom latte at Cafe "Shika-ne" comes with handwritten haiku bookmark Shopping guide: Try before buying at the "Sakura-zuke" specialty store on Sanjodori Street Practical Tips: 1. Stay near Kintetsu Nara Station; recommend "Nara Sakura Hotel" (with onsen) 2. Download "Nara Bloom Forecast" app for real-time blossom updates 3. Bring portable sitting cushions (available at 100-yen shops) for impromptu hanami 4. Pack layers for significant temperature differences between morning and evening Between cherry blossom tea and washi souvenirs in your suitcase, there's a hand-drawn cherry blossom map from the teahouse grandmother. Those circled secret spots are her 70 years of spring memories. Nara's most precious treasure isn't the cherry blossoms themselves, but these warm encounters - just like the ancient capital always keeps a cup of tea warm for you.

#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.

#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.