Nigatsu-do Hall

Part of the Todai-ji temple complex, Nigatsu-do ('Hall of the Second Month') stands on the lower slope of Mount Wakakusa, east of the Great Buddha Hall. The present building dates to 1669, rebuilt after a fire during the Shuni-e ceremony that has been held here every year since the eighth century. Reaching the veranda requires climbing about seventy steps, and from there the hall looks out over Todai-ji's rooftops and the city of Nara below, a view long favoured at dusk when the hall's lanterns are lit.