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Nara

Nigatsu-dō & Sangatsu-dō

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Lonely Planet review for Nigatsu-dō & Sangatsu-dō

The Nigatsu-dō and Sangatsu-dō halls are almost sub-temples of Tōdai-ji. They are an easy(uphill from the Daibutsu-den) walk east . You can walk straight east up the hill, but we recommend taking a hard left out of the Daibutsu-den exit, following the enclosure past the pond and turning up the hill. This pathway is among the most scenic walks in all of Nara.

As you reach the plaza at the top of the hill, the Nigatsu-dō is the temple hall with the verandah overlooking the plaza. This is where Nara's Omizutori Matsuri is held. The verandah affords a great view over Nara, especially at dusk. Opening hours here are the same as those of the Daibutsu-den.

A short walk south of Nigatsu-dō is Sangatsu-dō, which is the oldest building in the Tōdai-ji complex. This hall contains a small collection of fine statues from the Nara period. It's open the same hours as the Daibutsu-den.