Historical landmark • Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211, Japan
Here, I would like to convey the charm of Todaiji Nigatsudo Back Approach, a famous place in Nara.
As you walk along the approach, you may feel as if you have slipped through time and space to the past. The carved stone paving continues, and the earthen walls embedded with roof tiles fired in a yakishigama create a beautiful landscape. This appearance allows you to feel the breath unique to the approach, carved with the footprints of people.
The real pleasure of this approach is its ever-changing expression throughout the seasons. In spring, you can enjoy the refreshing green shade of new leaves, in summer, the greenery of the trees along the approach deepens, and in autumn, you can appreciate the colorful autumn leaves. In winter, in addition to the snowscape, it is also charming to experience the atmosphere of the bamboo grove lined up in preparation for the O-mizutori ritual at Nigatsudo.
When you leave the area around the Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji, which is crowded with many tourists, you will be surrounded by a nostalgic atmosphere here. You can fully enjoy the quietness of the approach. As you aim for the Ryōben-sugi and Nigatsudo, you can experience the luxurious time when only the footsteps echoing on the stone paving mark the passage of time.
If you proceed slowly, you will experience a moment in the Nara time and space. It is a wonderful approach where you can feel the weight and dignity of the long history while enjoying the ever-changing scenery.