# This is an authorized translation in English of a post in French by @japon: [Nara, de Nigatsu-do à Kasuga](https://steemit.com/fr/@japon/nara-de-nigatsu-do-a-kasuga) ^{As my primary language is not English, there are probably some mistakes in my translation.} ## Remember that the person that speaks here is NOT me, Vincent Celier (@vcelier), but @japon, a French guy. *** The visit the city of Nara is a beautiful walk to go from temple to temple, almost all located inside a large park in which tourists and deers mix. To the east of [Todai-ji](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/todai-ji-the-temple-with-the-huge-buddha-statue-in-nara-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) and its huge Buddha, I follow the continual flow of visitors to [Nigatsu-dō](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigatsu-d%C5%8D), literally "the hall of the second month". Originally, here was held a ceremony during the second month of the lunar calendar, that is March. People come to pray for good fortune and protection against disasters. ![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmV8ybDbZxHKCbBTrEWcV1stqyyQtxn1uL8dd9JD16499u/nigatsudo-1.jpg) To reach the temple, you have to climb a long staircase of more than 70 steps, which largely contributes to the atmosphere of the place. The access is free, which is quite rare for a temple and it deserves to be reported. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmRcEhc2FqztfM8Qn5QRiMV6d3buWdRKkEMNFDUfQeuSGd/nigatsudo-2.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmce6uujJcK2GEEsrRVoopynnsJ6szSRJ5BQ5ABFNbDoWD/nigatsudo-3.jpg) Built on the side of [Mount Wakakusa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wakakusa), the interest is this building that overlooks the city of Nara and offers a view of its ancient structures and urban landscapes. Visitors lined up along its balcony to reflect on the spectacular view. All around the temple, a series of lanterns mingle with an interlacing of beams. The architecture is beautiful. There are many people and Nigatsu-do seems to be a must for anyone visiting Todai-ji. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQma6GCqTtsFXjeF8hbLW9uH8sDuk6W7TapAL3W1wBdgw2e/nigatsudo-4.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaTq4BP7wwUMXJ4oZYUdMXLcUX13k1cZxNk9kwYyE96Z6/nigatsudo-5.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmcLxnawb2E8PuG6hhmFF4k4TsxmnCBV8BZjCzHJoMfe5S/nigatsudo-6.jpg) My route continues around Nara Park to the last destination of the day: the [Kasuga Shrine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasuga-taisha). Going there, I cannot help thinking about the quote from [Confucius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius): "Happiness is not at the top of the mountain but in the way to climb". The interest of this sanctuary is in the hundreds (even thousands) of lanterns that line the path and the stairs that lead to it. They are sometimes arranged in several rows as there are so many. ![](https://steemitimages.com/DQma7PzSTuBVomUyVAcPhnQQVfX8XbpCvfSTg21fBEcMERG/kasuga-1.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmRbNaLSmVo6XTjBA6aq3ADmsJfYCiERdMfzgrGYfnxZgg/kasuga-2.jpg) The atmosphere is striking with these lanterns of all sizes, and often covered with moss and lichen. Sign of time passing. Sometimes deers rest there, watching the tourists who are happy to photograph them. These animals have beautiful life, stars of a day in the middle of this wooded space. ![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZGqwvkz76Sv4K4dCwxF5hcqJWb85gtbVst3PKvSygMX1/kasuga-3.jpg) Arriving at the shrine after a long walk, I discovered several buildings of a traditional [Shinto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto) architecture. The many small hanging lanterns, there must be hundreds, are offerings from the faithful. They bring an undeniable aesthetic touch in this vermilion red atmosphere. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmUyRcCqevhVca4ufYuC1Mx6wxNcFmmNsvvh1HVL68JYc6/kasuga-6.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZEgejKYPkqfS6m5DqsjWxaXs3vihaTNUXd3u9Y2gWwK2/kasuga-4.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmadYzz7PEZPSmbSKgd6Bc91jm5uzcA6Mc6ofWshK4vCrA/kasuga-5.jpg) As there are many paths leading to the Kasuga Shrine, and it is a little away from other sites, the place is quieter. I finally find this tranquility that is dear to me. The atmosphere is relaxing, with this humid air. ![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmW3yH7dhoMr2ehWrP6q7CcYQ4pLAA43cB3jjPkgrYy5Es/kasuga-7.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmPdo2UJEeAMNiEVEWMUjNq5BfRoZhv5nxFAhDpnHzqqV4/kasuga-8.jpg) It is on this last impression that I take again the road to the station and my train for Kyoto. Nara is truly a must if you spend a few days in the old imperial capital. It is a true dive into the history of Japan, a preserved space where one imagines being at the time of samurai and geisha walking in small steps in their kimono. It may be a cliché of Japan but it is the image that I like to keep. -- @japon *** 01: [Travel diary in Japan, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/travel-diary-in-japan-by-japon-translation-from-french) 02: [Tokyo, overcrowded city? Really? by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tokyo-overcrowded-city-really-by-japon-translation-from-french) 03: [Are the Japanese too disciplined? by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/are-the-japanese-too-disciplined-by-japon-translation-from-french) 04: [Going to Japan without speaking Japanese? by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/going-to-japan-without-speaking-japanese-by-japon-translation-from-french) 05: [Ueno, more than just a big park in Tokyo, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ueno-more-than-just-a-big-park-in-tokyo-by-japon-translation-from-french) 06: [Asakusa, diving in the heart of Tokyo's historic district, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/asakusa-diving-in-the-heart-of-tokyo-s-historic-district-by-japon-translation-from-french) 07: [Ameyoko, Ueno's colorful market, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ameyoko-ueno-s-colorful-market-by-japon-translated-from-french) 08: [Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tsukiji-the-largest-fish-market-in-the-world-by-japon-translated-from-french) 09: [Climb the steps of Atago Jinja Shrine in Tokyo, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/climb-the-steps-of-atago-jinja-shrine-in-tokyo-by-japon-translated-from-french) 10: [Hama Rikyu, an exceptional park in the heart of Tokyo, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/hama-rikyu-an-exceptional-park-in-the-heart-of-tokyo-by-japon-translated-from-french) 11: [Jimbocho, old books and tempura, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/jimbocho-old-books-and-tempura-by-japon-translated-from-french) 12: [Shinjuku Gyoen Park and the best burger in the world!, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/shinjuku-gyoen-park-and-the-best-burger-in-the-world-by-japon-translated-from-french) 13: [One night in Shibuya, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/one-night-in-shibuya-by-japon-translated-from-french) 14: [Takeshita dori : this little street dedicated to fashion (and good crepes), by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/takeshita-dori-this-little-street-dedicated-to-fashion-and-good-crepes-by-japon-translated-from-french) 15: [They lie to you about Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/they-lie-to-you-about-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 16: [The temples and secret garden of Higashi in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/the-temples-and-secret-garden-of-higashi-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 17: [Kinkaku-ji, the temple of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kinkaku-ji-the-temple-of-the-golden-pavilion-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 18: [Ryoan-ji, the amazing stone garden in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ryoan-ji-the-amazing-stone-garden-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 19: [The Ninna-ji Temple and its extraordinary gardens, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/the-ninna-ji-temple-and-its-extraordinary-gardens-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 20: [Kyoto Gyoen, the Imperial Palace Park, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kyoto-gyoen-the-imperial-palace-park-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 21: [Nishiki Market: A Must in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nishiki-market-a-must-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 22: [Ginkaku-ji, the temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ginkaku-ji-the-temple-of-the-silver-pavilion-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 23: [Meditate on the path of philosophy, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/meditate-on-the-path-of-philosophy-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 24: [Nanzen-ji, its impressive gate and two gardens, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nanzen-ji-its-impressive-gate-and-two-gardens-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 25: [Heian-jinju: the big shrine and its garden that I almost missed, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/heian-jinju-the-big-shrine-and-its-garden-that-i-almost-missed-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 26: [Eikan-do, the temple of the momiji maples in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/eikan-do-the-temple-of-the-momiji-maples-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 27: [Kodai-ji, a Kyoto temple dedicated to a woman's love for her husband, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kodai-ji-a-kyoto-temple-dedicated-to-a-woman-s-love-for-her-husband-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 28: [Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, the streets of Higashiyama, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/sannenzaka-and-ninenzaka-the-streets-of-higashiyama-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 29: [Kiyomizu-dera, the temple of pure water in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kiyomizu-dera-the-temple-of-pure-water-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 30: [Tofuku-ji: the maple lookout point, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tofuku-ji-the-maple-lookout-point-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 31: [Makis, Yasaka-jinja Shrine and Maruyama Park, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/makis-yasaka-jinja-shrine-and-maruyama-park-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 32: [Nijo Castle and its fabulous garden, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nijo-castle-and-its-fabulous-garden-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 33:[Departure for Osaka and its castle, and announcement of a typhoon, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/departure-for-osaka-and-its-castle-and-announcement-of-a-typhoon-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 34: [Osaka, the garden Keitaku-en under a torrential rain, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/osaka-the-garden-keitaku-en-under-a-torrential-rain-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 35: [Doguya-suji, the kitchen market in Osaka, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/doguya-suji-the-kitchen-market-in-osaka-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 36: [Dōtonbori, the bustling district of Osaka, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/d-tonbori-the-bustling-district-of-osaka) 37: [Back to Kyoto and Typhoons, meetings and reunions, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/back-to-kyoto-and-typhoons-meetings-and-reunions-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 38: [Sanjūsangen-dō, the temple of a thousand and one statues, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/sanjusangen-d-the-temple-of-a-thousand-and-one-statues-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 39: [On the road to Fushimi Inari Taisha, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/on-the-road-to-fushimi-inari-taisha-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 40: [Daigo-ji, the large Buddhist complex built on a mountainside, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/daigo-ji-the-large-buddhist-complex-built-on-a-mountainside-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 41: [Departure for Nara, we look at the fallow deers and we mistake the garden, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/departure-for-nara-we-look-at-the-fallow-deers-and-we-mistake-the-garden) 42: [Isui-en, the big Japanese garden of Nara, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/isui-en-the-big-japanese-garden-of-nara-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 43: [Todai-ji, the temple with the huge Buddha statue in Nara, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/todai-ji-the-temple-with-the-huge-buddha-statue-in-nara-by-japon-tranlated-from-french)