Temple · Nishinokyo
Yakushi-ji Temple 薬師寺
Late-7th-century head temple of the Hosso sect in Nara's Nishinokyo area with twin pagodas, including the original 730 East Pagoda; World Heritage site.
Hours9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
PriceAdult: ¥1,000
Getting thereKintetsu Nishinokyo Station, 1 min walk
Time needed1-2 hours
Best timeSpring and autumn
Address457 Nishinokyocho, Nara, Nara 630-8563
Websiteyakushiji.or.jp
About
Yakushi-ji was built by Emperor Tenmu to pray for his ailing empress and has a symmetrical layout of main hall, lecture hall and two pagodas. The East Pagoda is the only original structure, while the bright vermilion halls were reconstructed in the 20th century. The main hall houses a celebrated bronze Yakushi triad, a National Treasure.
Highlights
- East Pagoda (730), looks six-storied but has three
- Bronze Yakushi triad in the main hall
- Genjo Sanzoin complex with Hirayama Ikuo murals (open on set dates)
- Symmetrical twin-pagoda layout
Tips
- Right next to Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station
- Walk 10 min north to Toshodai-ji to combine both World Heritage temples
- Genjo Sanzoin murals are shown only on certain dates; check the official calendar
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11
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