It is said that 99% of visitors to Nara miss the sunset at Nigatsu-dō

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.