Yakushiji Temple was built in 692 by Emperor TENMU. Originally, Yakushiji Temple was located in Fujiwara Kyo, south of Nara. After Nara became the capital in the Nara Age, Yakushiji Temple was relocated to the current location which is the west side of Nara City, just one km south of Toshodaiji Temple.

A better way to visit Yakushiji Temple is to walk from Toshodaiji Temple. The street from Toshodaiji Temple to Yakushiji Temple is narrow, but old and traditional houses stand side by side.

On the way to Yakushiji Temple, you will see "Genjyo-Sanjyo-In Temple" on your left side. This temple belongs to Yakushiji Temple and was built in 1991.
Genjyo-Sanjyo was a high priest of China in the seventh century. As Yakushiji Temple follows his teaching, this temple was built.

After passing "Genjyo-Sanjyo-In Temple", you will arrive at Yakushiji Temple from the north side. The main entrance of Yakushiji Temple is on the south side.
Yasugaoka Shrine is located to the south of Yakushiji Temple. It was said that you need to cleanse oneself at Yasugaoka Shrine, before visiting Yakushiji Temple.

First, you will pass the South Gate.
The South Gate was rebuilt in 1512 during the Muromachi Age and is designated as an important cultural property of Japan.

Inside of South Gate is called "Hakuho Precinct".
While the architectural style of Toshodaiji Temple is known as "Tempyo-style", representing the Nara Age, that of Yakushiji Temple is called "Hakuho-style" representing the Asuka Age.

In the "Hakuho Precinct", buildings and their layout were original from the Aska Age.

The buildings layout of Yakushiji Temple is;
- The corridor is surrounded on the periphery of the temple.
- Main Hall is located in the middle of the temple.
- Two Pagodas are located beside the main hall.
- Lecture hall is at the north center on the corridor.

When you pass the South Gate, you will see the central gate in front of you, and, you will see East and West Pagodas behind the corridor.

Main Gate and the corridor were lost by the war in 1582 and rebuilt in 1984. In side of Central Gate, statues of Nitenoh are there to protect the temple against any evils. These statues were also rebuilt in 1984.

When you come into "Hakuho Precinct", you will see Main Hall. Main Hall was also lost in 1582. The temporary Main Hall was rebuilt in the late 16th century, and finally rebuilt again in 1976.

Although many buildings are rebuilt, original Buddhist statues remain. At Main Hall, Yakushi-Sanzon statues are enshrined. They are designated as national treasures of Japan.

On both sides of the Main Hall, there are the East Pagoda and West Pagoda. As Yakushiji Temple was built by Emperor TENMU, the temple was huge and buildings and statues were splendid. However, almost all the original buildings were lost during the long history. Only East Pagoda is the original building.

These Three-Storied Pagodas are very impressive, especially East Pagoda. Ernest FENOLLOSA referred to the pagoda as 'frozen music' when he visited Yakushiji in the Meiji Period.

East Pagoda is now (as of December, 2016) under repair. You will be able to see the Pagoda in 2018, when the repairs are completed.

After visiting Yakushiji Temple, one recommendation is go to Ohike Pond to the west of Yakushiji Temple. Ohike pond is a ten minute walk from Yakushiji Temple.

The view of Yakushiji Temple from Ohike Pond is marvelous.
This view is one of the many representative views of Japan.

How to get there
Yakushiji Temple is just a five minute walk from Nishinokyo Station.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Toshodaiji Temple
Yasugaoka Shrine