Yakushi-ji

Temple

Prefecture

Nara

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

¥1,100

Entry Fee

Train Access

About This Destination

A World Heritage temple and one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, celebrated for its elegant East Pagoda from 730 AD, one of the few surviving original Nara-period structures.

Yakushi-ji was established in 680 by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the recovery of his ailing consort and later relocated to its present site in Nishinokyo when the capital moved to Nara. The East Pagoda, built around 730 AD, is one of the very few original Nara-period structures still standing, and its alternating large and small roofs have been poetically described as frozen music for their rhythmic beauty. The West Pagoda was faithfully reconstructed in 1981 using traditional techniques, letting you compare the weathered 730 AD original with the fresh 1981 reconstruction. The Kondo (Main Hall) has a bronze Yakushi Triad dating from the late 7th or early 8th century, considered a masterpiece of early Japanese Buddhist sculpture. The spacious temple precinct also includes the Genjo Sanzoin sub-temple, dedicated to the Chinese pilgrim monk Xuanzang.

Location

Prefecture: Nara

Address: Nara, Japan

Nearest Station: Nishinokyo Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No restaurants on the temple grounds. A few small eateries can be found near Nishinokyo Station. Consider pairing a visit with nearby Toshodai-ji and stopping at local shops for kuzu mochi and other arrowroot sweets.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Yakushi-ji from central Nara?

From Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Kintetsu Kashihara Line south to Nishinokyo Station — about 8 minutes (¥260). The temple is a 1-minute walk from the station's east exit. From JR Nara Station, the Nara Kotsu bus 70/72 takes about 18 minutes (¥260). By car it's 15 minutes via Route 24, with a 500-yen temple parking lot.

What's the difference between the East and West pagodas?

The East Pagoda is one of the few original Nara-period buildings (c. 730 AD) — its weathered cypress wood, alternating large/small roofs, and bronze finial are over 1,290 years old. The West Pagoda is a 1981 reconstruction using traditional techniques, with vivid red lacquered pillars showing how the East Pagoda once looked. Standing between them is the most striking moment of any visit.

What's the entry fee and what does it cover?

Standard adult ticket is ¥1,100 covering the main precinct (Kondo, Daikodo, both pagodas) plus the Genjo Sanzoin sub-temple. During special exhibitions (typically March–June and September–November), a ¥1,600 combined ticket adds access to the Heian Kyoiku-do murals by Hirayama Ikuo. Open 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30), year-round.

Can I combine Yakushi-ji with Toshodai-ji?

Absolutely — they're 10 minutes apart on foot through quiet residential streets, the classic Nishinokyo temple route. Most visitors do Yakushi-ji first then walk north to Toshodai-ji. Allow 1.5 hours for Yakushi-ji and 1 hour for Toshodai-ji. A combined Nishinokyo half-day works well from Kintetsu Nara, leaving the afternoon for Nara Park and Todai-ji.