Nigatsudo is the Buddhist hall of Todaiji Temple and was built in the Nara period. The current building was rebuilt in 1669 and is designated as a National Treasure. Nigatsudo is famous as the site of the annual Shunikai event known as “Omizutori” held in March. This event began in 752 and has continued to the present day as a traditional memorial service to pray for the safety of the nation and the well-being of its people. Nigatsudo is located on the hillside to the east of the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple and is built in the kakezukuri style. This architectural style is also found in temples such as Kiyomizu-dera and Hase-dera, where the main deity is the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy). The main image of the eleven-faced Kannon is enshrined in the hall, and during the Shunikai, a solemn ceremony is performed by priests called Nerigyo-shu. The “Omizutori” ceremony, held on the evening of March 12, is especially well known as a springtime tradition in Nara that attracts many tourists and believers.