Yakushiji Temple

10 of 15 in attractions in Nara

Yakushiji (薬師寺) is one of Japan's oldest temples, built in the late 7th century by Emperor Tenmu to help cure his sick wife. The temple is known for its symmetric layout, with the main hall and lecture hall aligned along a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The rebuilt main hall houses the Yakushi trinity, a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda, dating from 730, survived several fires and stands tall with six stories, though it’s actually three stories.

The Genjo-sanzoin Garan, built in 1991, is a smaller complex dedicated to the famous 7th-century monk Genjo-sanzo, known for his travels to India and Central Asia. Yakushiji, as the head temple of the Hosso Sect, continues to honor his teachings. The central octagonal hall enshrines some of Genjo-sanzo’s remains. Behind it, paintings by Hirayama Ikuo depict Genjo-sanzo’s journey, although the complex is only open to the public during special periods.

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Yakushiji Temple

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By train
Yakushiji Temple is next to Nishinokyo Station. To get there from Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Station, then transfer to the Kintetsu Kashihara Line. The trip takes about 25 minutes and costs 300 yen.

By bus
Buses 72, 78, and 98 run from Kintetsu Nara Station (20 minutes, 310 yen) and JR Nara Station (15 minutes, 310 yen) to Yakushiji Temple. Get off at Yakushiji (buses 72, 78) or Yakushiji Chushajo (bus 98). To return, take bus 72 or 77 from Nishinokyoeki bus stop, or bus 97 from Yakushiji Chushajo bus stop.