Yakushi-ji Temple

Welcome to Yakushi-ji, one of Japan's oldest and most historically significant temples, located in the Nishinokyo area of Nara. Founded in the late seventh century by Emperor Tenmu, this temple was built with a profound and…

The spiritual heart of the temple is the Kondo, or Main Hall. This magnificent structure houses the Yakushi Triad, a National Treasure and one of the most beautiful sets of Buddhist statues in the world. …

The East Pagoda, or Toto, is the only original structure that has survived from the temple's relocation to this site in seven eighteen. It is a masterpiece of eighth-century architecture and has been designated a National…

Opposite the East Pagoda stands its twin, the West Pagoda, or Saito. While the original was lost to fire in fifteen twenty-eight, this reconstruction was completed in nineteen eighty-one, using traditional techniques and…

To the north of the main complex lies the Genjo Sanzo-in, a modern addition dedicated to the famous seventh-century Chinese monk, Xuanzang (known in Japan as Genjo Sanzo). Xuanzang traveled for seventeen years along the Silk Road…

One of the most unique experiences at Yakushi-ji is the opportunity to participate in 'Shakyo,' or sutra copying. This practice has a long history at the temple; in the eighth century, Emperor Tenmu himself ordered the copying of…

Behind the Main Hall stands the Jikido, or Refectory. This large building was historically where the monks would gather for their meals, but the current reconstruction serves a more artistic purpose. …

As we conclude our tour of Yakushi-ji, let the concept of 'Consciousness-Only' resonate with you. We have seen how a single sound—like a bell or a clap—can be interpreted differently by a bird, a fish, or a human, yet the sound…

Our visit to Yakushi-ji concludes here at the south gate. We have walked through over thirteen hundred years of history, seeing how a simple prayer for an empress's health blossomed into one of the most magnificent temple…