Nigatsudo (a terrace with views over Nara)

The Nigatsudo, or Hall of the Second Month, is one of the lesser-known jewels of the Tōdai-ji complex and an essential stop for those who want to enjoy the best views of Nara. Built in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1669 after a fire, this oratory rises on a wooded hill east of the Great Buddha and has a raised wooden terrace —in the style of Kiyomizudera in Kyoto— from which you command an exceptional panorama: the roof of the Daibutsuden, the park, the Kōfuku-ji pagoda and, on clear days, Mount Ikoma on the border with Osaka. Access is completely free and the path up to the terrace, among stone lanterns and leafy trees, is a pleasure in itself. The visit at dusk is especially magical. The Nigatsudo is also famous for the Omizutori, a fire-and-water ceremony held on 12 March since the year 752 without interruption, in which enormous flaming torches are swung from the terrace. To get there, follow the signposted path that starts from the rear of the Daibutsuden; the walk from the Great Buddha takes barely 10 minutes.