Yakushi-ji

Temple

薬師寺

The Sacred Home of Japan’s

Medicine Buddha

For more than 1,300 years, Yakushi-ji Temple has been one of Japan's most important centers of Buddhist faith. Founded in 680 by Emperor Tenmu as a prayer for the recovery of his consort, later Empress Jito, the temple was originally built near Fujiwara-kyo before being relocated to its present site following the transfer of the capital to Heijo-kyo. Its history reflects the political and religious transition from the Asuka period to the Nara period.

Although many of the original buildings were lost to fire over the centuries, the East Pagoda survives from the temple's early history and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Nara-period architecture. Today, Yakushi-ji is the head temple of the Hosso school of Buddhism and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

For visitors, Yakushi-ji offers an opportunity to explore the history of imperial patronage, Buddhist devotion, and one of the most influential temples of ancient Japan.

View of traditional Japanese temple architecture with a multi-tiered pagoda in the background, red and white wooden structures, and a clear blue sky.
A traditional Japanese five-story pagoda with red and white colors, surrounded by trees, clear blue sky, and a person standing in front.
Traditional Japanese temple with multi-tiered roof structure, wooden beams, and ornate design, set against a clear blue sky.
A traditional multi-story Japanese pagoda with wooden construction, dark roof tiles, and intricate architecture, set against a clear blue sky, with surrounding buildings and courtyard.
A traditional Japanese multi-tiered wooden temple building under a clear blue sky, with a stone path and lantern in the foreground and small groups of people walking around.
A corridor with wooden pillars and a curved wooden roof, leading to a door with green window panels in a traditional East Asian building.
Traditional Japanese pagoda with five tiers, surrounded by a corridor with red and white walls, set against a clear blue sky and some green trees in the background.
A traditional Japanese temple with red and white walls, two multi-tiered pagoda towers on either side, and a spacious paved courtyard under a clear blue sky.
Traditional Japanese temple building with wooden structure, curved tiled roof, and steps leading up to entrance, surrounded by trees with some autumn foliage.
Traditional Japanese wooden temple with open sliding doors, surrounded by green trees and a small wooden fence, set against a blue sky.
Traditional Japanese pagoda viewed through an open temple gate with blue sky and trees in the background.
View of traditional Japanese temple with carved wooden statues of Buddha and attendants inside, partially visible through an open red wooden door with circular decorations, surrounded by a railing.
See Tours
See Destinations