Nigetsu-Do

Nigetsu-Do
Originally uploaded by juanerubio.

This nice wooden structure, standing on the slopes of Nara Park, is one of the most beautiful sights in town. It is situated slightly off the track (although not difficult to access) if one wants to visit the most famous places like Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji... and, since it's not included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, you won't find it highlighted in almost any tour of Nara.

My opinion is that the atmosphere created at sunset is not easily improved: the wonderfully changing colors, tens of hanging lanterns that are lit, the city that extends below the sinking sun, a few locals who come here just to silently enjoy this moment...