Yakushiji Temple

4.0

Together with the Kohfukuji Temple, the Yakushiji Temple is the headquarters of the Hosso school of Buddhism. The temple was built in 680 in the then-capital of Fujiwara-kyo by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the recovery of his ill consort, who later succeeded him as Empress Jito. The temple was moved to its current location in 718. Originally, the temple was comprised of a magnificent number of structures connected via galleries, but, excluding the East Pagoda, these were destroyed by fire and war. The colorful main hall, West Pagoda, central gate, galleries, and the largest grand hall inside the grounds have been rebuilt. The East Pagoda, a National Treasure and the temple’s only original structure remaining from when it was first erected, appears at first glance to be a six-tier pagoda but is in fact a three tier-one. (Note: The East Pagoda is scheduled to undergo restoration until June 2020.)

Spot details

Address: Nara Pref. Narashi Nishinokyouchou 457 Map
Area: Heijo Palace Remains / Nishinokyo Area
Phone: 0742336001
Hours: 8:30-17:00 (Reception until 16:30)
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Normal Visit ticket] Adults 1,100yen, Junior high and high school students 700yen, Elementary school students 300yen
※Visit to Genjo Sanzoin Garan is possible
※Admission feeFriday varies depending on the season. , Junior high and high school students 1,200yen, Elementary school students 300yen
Parking Lot: Available(120spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Not available
Vegetarian Menu: Not available
English Menu: Not available
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Average budget: [Lunch] 1,001-3,000yen
Estimated stay time: 60-120 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Available (Friday Hall, Sutra Dojo available)
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Yes (not allowed inside the hall)

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Itineraries about this spot

28 days: Tokyo, Tochigi, Chiba, Yamanashi, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Aichi, Saitama

28 day(s)

Review

Yakushi-ji (and Toshodai-ji Temples)

Reviewed : 2019.12.22

If you havent visited Kyotos temple districts or want to see temples without the crowds in and around Kyoto, or youd like to see more temples, and youre in Nara overnight, Yakushi-ji and...
An old temple but quite new renovation

Reviewed : 2019.11.05

It’s just next to Toshodaiji temple, I think 5 minute walk. If you decide to go Toshodaiji temple, you can also consider to visit this temple too. This temple is not small, quite big instead. The...
Expensive

Reviewed : 2019.10.30

Made our way all the way there so we felt like we had to visit. It was expensive and we didnt stay long. The nearby Toshodaiji Temple is a much better visit.