Nigatsu-do Temple
Nigatsu-do Temple
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
759 reviews
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TK_NGTT
Yokohama, Japan4,257 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
It is a wonderful view overlooking the city of Nara.
The name Nigatsudo comes from the fact that the Shunie ceremony is held here in the second month of the lunar calendar. It is said to have been founded by Jitsugu, a disciple of the monk Roben, but a fire broke out inside the hall during the Shunie ceremony in 1667, and the current building was rebuilt two years later. The original building was small, and over time it was expanded to accommodate the Shunie ceremony. The acoustics and the layout of the inner sanctuary, outer sanctuary, and prayer hall make it a truly suitable building for performing the ritual.
The Nigatsudo memorial service is held on the 18th of every month. It lasts for about two hours, from 8:00 a.m. from April to October, and from 8:30 a.m. from November to March. You can listen to this memorial service from the office on the west side of Nigatsudo. However, due to space restrictions in the hall, please note that you may not be able to enter if there are many applicants.
The name Nigatsudo comes from the fact that the Shunie ceremony is held here in the second month of the lunar calendar. It is said to have been founded by Jitsugu, a disciple of the monk Roben, but a fire broke out inside the hall during the Shunie ceremony in 1667, and the current building was rebuilt two years later. The original building was small, and over time it was expanded to accommodate the Shunie ceremony. The acoustics and the layout of the inner sanctuary, outer sanctuary, and prayer hall make it a truly suitable building for performing the ritual.
The Nigatsudo memorial service is held on the 18th of every month. It lasts for about two hours, from 8:00 a.m. from April to October, and from 8:30 a.m. from November to March. You can listen to this memorial service from the office on the west side of Nigatsudo. However, due to space restrictions in the hall, please note that you may not be able to enter if there are many applicants.
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,970 contributions
Nov 2021
I visited this temple a few times both during the day and night. This complex was large and fun to walk around and take photos. You can walk on the large balcony and get incredible views of Nara. I recommend coming here at night as the temple is lit up and it makes for great photos.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany7,182 contributions
Nov 2019
The Nigatsu-do temple is one further milestone along the beautiful park of temples and shrines in Nara. It is located not too far behind te Todaji shrine and offers a beautiful view on the complex, due to its elevated location on a small hill nearby. The area is rather calm and pleasant and (just like its neighbours), stuns the visitor with its age and obvious craftsmanship. Very convenient en route and defintely a beautiful sight to see!
Written May 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiZoRe
Japan611 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
I went to Shunie, a ceremony famous for the Omizutori ceremony.
After the torches,
we observed the ceremony taking place inside the hall.
Because fires are lit,
our masks turn black.
There are three stations,
and each has a different view of the ceremony,
so it might be a good idea to move between them at different times.
For now, it's cold, so you'll need to take precautions against the cold.
After the torches,
we observed the ceremony taking place inside the hall.
Because fires are lit,
our masks turn black.
There are three stations,
and each has a different view of the ceremony,
so it might be a good idea to move between them at different times.
For now, it's cold, so you'll need to take precautions against the cold.
Written March 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baldrobe
London, UK203 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
A nice temple with a view of the surroundings from the large wooden balcony. Less crowded than some. Worth the walk up.
Written April 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon Travel Reviews
Edmonton, Canada104 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
This temple is deep inside the park therefore making it very quiet and calm since most tourists don't make it that far into the park. The view from the top is very nice during the morning, but can be very hot and blinding during the afternoon so bring sunglasses.
Written June 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Koen R
Brussels, Belgium182 contributions
Jul 2017
Nigatsudo is 5 minutes' hike from Todaiji but worth the detour. I'd even argue it's better than Todaiji. While not as high and impressive Nigatsudo has something of Kyoto Kyomizudera; built half on stilts you have a panorama.
From the exit of Todaiji, follow the steps up past the bell tower and a toilet building. You'll arrive on a square with Nigatsudo, Sangatsudo... take the large steps on the right to the temple. At the top there's a tearoom on the right with a nice toilet pavilion behind it. Left to Nigatsudo there's also another free tea pavilion worth visiting. Take the covered steps back down, keep right and you'll walk past a rice field (yup there is a rice field sandwiched between Todaiji and Nigatsudo). On the way down to Todaiji there are nice houses with nice walls...it's less crowded over there.
From the exit of Todaiji, follow the steps up past the bell tower and a toilet building. You'll arrive on a square with Nigatsudo, Sangatsudo... take the large steps on the right to the temple. At the top there's a tearoom on the right with a nice toilet pavilion behind it. Left to Nigatsudo there's also another free tea pavilion worth visiting. Take the covered steps back down, keep right and you'll walk past a rice field (yup there is a rice field sandwiched between Todaiji and Nigatsudo). On the way down to Todaiji there are nice houses with nice walls...it's less crowded over there.
Written July 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skywalker0611
Singapore, Singapore341 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
Just about 10 to 15 minutes walk from Todaiji Temple. There is great scenery, shop and a tea house while on the way there. Please be prepare to climb the staircase - about 70 steps. The view on top of the temple is great. Praying is allow and noticed lots of metal lantern hanging around the temple. One of temple that must visit after Todaiji.
Written May 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz T
Vancouver, Canada337 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
This temple is not far from Todaiji. A short walk further up the hill. Be prepared to walk up many steps. The extra hike is worthwhile once you reach the temple. There is seating on the upper level to rest tired feet and a wide balcony to stand and enjoy the view of Nara. Good photo opportunity on a clear day. There are several eating places and a store / vending machines here.We continued our walk from here to Kasuga Grand Shrine. Beautiful walk.
Written July 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krissie K
Denver, CO128 contributions
Jan 2014 • Business
This temple sits on top of a hill overlooking Nara. There are many stone lanterns leading up the hill to the grounds, and lots of wonderful photo ops. The temple is lovely, and peaceful, with lots of brass lanterns and a great view also. It is a short and worthwhile walk from Todaji Temple, and you can continue along the road to the Grand Shrine after your visit here.
Written January 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi everyone! My friends & I will be going to Japan this coming November. Going to Nara is a part of our itenerary, it will be our 4th day in our tour. First we will go to Kasuga Taisha Shrine then to Nigatsu-do Temple & we are planning to take a taxi just to save our energy because we are
going to Dotonbori after Nara. My question is: where is the best place for the taxi driver to drop us so that we will walk less.
Thanks in advance!!!!
Written September 16, 2015
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