7
Yakushiji Temple, Nara
Anne LauenrothYakushiji Temple in Nara is one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, featuring a pagoda from the 8th century.
Yakushiji Temple
Yakushiji Temple is regarded as one of the oldest and most important temples in Japan, which is no surprise given its impressive status. The temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the headquarters of the Hosso Sect of Buddhism, and one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara.
Emperor Tenmu founded the temple in 680 and dedicated it to Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of Healing) to aid his wife—who later became Empress Jito—in her recovery from an illness. Yakushiji was originally located in Fujiwara-kyo, but later moved to Nara in 718, where it still stands today. Although all of the original temple structures, except the East Pagoda, were lost to fires, the temple’s present-day reconstructions accurately reflect its traditional and grand design.
Today, visitors and students of Buddhism flock to the site for spiritual learning, healing, and prayer. In addition to the main temple buildings listed below, Yakushiji is home to Yasumigaoka Hachimangu Shrine, other traditional halls, and Buddhist artwork and artifacts. Do not pass up the opportunity to visit Yakushiji’s distinguished temple grounds and immerse yourself in the sacred and educational atmosphere.
Overview
Address
457 Nishinokyocho, Nara, 630-8563 (Map) (Directions)Hours
8:30 - 17:00 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
8:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
8:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
8:30 - 17:00
Thursday
8:30 - 17:00
Friday
8:30 - 17:00
Saturday
8:30 - 17:00
Sunday
8:30 - 17:00
Holidays
8:30 - 17:00
Price
¥1100
Phone Number
0742-33-6001Website
Highlights
Kondo and Pagodas
From the Southern Entrance, you will be greeted by a mesmerizing sight of symmetry. The Kondo, or Main Hall, built with traditional curved roofs and colored in contrasting tones of red, green, and white, is flanked perfectly by the East and West Pagodas. Inside the Kondo is Yakushiji’s main object of worship, the Yakushi Triad. This 7th-century work of bronze art features a seated Yakushi Nyorai with the bodhisattvas Nikko and Gakko standing on either side of him. The serene expressions and meditative postures of the statues exude an air of peace that immediately puts visitors at ease.
Daikodo
Past the Kondo is the Daikodo, or Great Lecture Hall. This important structure is one of the largest temple buildings in Nara and is used as a center for teaching Buddhist principles. The hall also houses the Miroku Triad, which—similar to the Yakushi Triad—is a collection of meditative statues.
Genjo Sanzoin Complex
Another notable structure of Yakushiji is the Genjo Sanzoin Complex. This late 20th-century addition is centered around an attractive octagonal hall and dedicated to the Chinese monk Genjo, who introduced the teachings of Hosso Buddhism to China. Here, you can admire paintings by famed artist Hirayama Ikuo depicting Genjo’s religious journey.
Access
If you are starting in Nara, take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kintetsu Nara Station to Yamato-Saidaiji Station, and then transfer to the Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station. From there, Yakushiji is about a 2-minute walk.
Alternatively, start at JR Kyoto Station and walk to Kintetsu Kyoto Station. Then, take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line or Kintetsu Limited Express to Yamato-Saidaiji Station. From Yamato-Saidaiji Station, take the Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station, and then walk about 2 minutes to the temple.
Related Articles
3 articles
7
13
Yakushiji, Temple of Medicine
Celine VilleneuveKnown as the Temple of Medicine, Yakushiji was built around 680 by order of Emperor Tenmu for the recovery of the Empress from a..
Historical
Yakushiji Temple in Nara
Tony MarianiYakushiji Temple in Nara is a temple dedicated to healing built by Empress Jito.
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Yakushiji Temple
Near Yakushiji Temple
Ryokan
Matsumae Ryokan
Enjoy one night under the sign of Japanese hospitality in Matsumae Ryokan, in Nara City.
Food
Royal Copenhagen Afternoon Tea 2021
Past EventRoyal Copenhagen is a Danish manufacturer of porcelain products with a history dating back to 1775. A limited-time event at the..
Food
Peter's Afternoon Tea Buffet 2021
Past EventA limited-time afternoon tea event at the JW Marriott Hotel Nara celebrates the release of the movie "Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway"...
Culture
Toshodaiji Temple
Toshodaiji Temple, located just north of Yakushiji Temple in Nara, is a significant site related to the development of Buddhism in Japan and signifies..
Culture
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
NARA Visitor Center & Inn is located by the Sarusawa Pond in Nara City, a short walking distance from Kintetsu Nara station and Nara station. It is the..
Culture
Todaiji
Todai-ji Temple, also known as the Great Eastern Temple, was originally built in 752 at the behest of Emperor Shomu. It is one of the most famous and..