What other travelers are saying about Yakushi-ji Temple
Cherry Blossom season is quiet compared to other super crowded sites. It’s a must visit if you love ancient architectures & history. It felt like travel back in time of 1000 years while standing there in the rain & enjoy the sight of the pagodas.
Very zen & relaxing when there are less people around!
July 5th 2025
I attended a group tour organised by Nara International Citizen centre, along with students from NAIST and Nara University. We went to three places, Yakushi-Ji is our first stop.
We were just in time to see the buddhist monks performing their prayers (as you can see from the video). This place temple specifically feels oddly calming, reminding me of Todai-ji.
As you walk around, enjoying the lotus flowers and ancient architectures. Hopefully, you'll feel as peaceful and relaxed as I did!
This is a peaceful temple belonging to the Yogācāra school of Buddhism. It features a beautiful pagoda and murals depicting scenes from the Great Tang Dynasty’s journeys to the Western Regions. It’s a great place for those interested in Buddhist teachings and history. Legend has it that relics of Xuanzang are enshrined here.
One of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place seems off by design. It pretty much feels like I am in ancient China.
Well anyway, it is inspired by ancient China. You’ll see two pagoda standing tall from the main gate. One is original, the other is reconstructed.
This place is really beautiful. The statues of all wood-carved Buddha offer a sense of spiritual feeling of enlightenment.
You should visit here when you are in Nara, Japan.
Visitors to Yakushi-ji Temple can explore various significant structures such as the East Pagoda, the only original building remaining from the 8th century, the West Pagoda, the Main Hall (Kondo), and the Lecture Hall. The temple is also famous for its statues of the Yakushi Triad, masterpieces of Japanese Buddhist art.
The East Pagoda of Yakushi-ji is highly significant as it is one of the few surviving structures from the 8th century. Its architecture is noted for its balance and beauty, reflecting the sophisticated construction techniques of the Asuka and Nara periods.
Yakushi-ji Temple is accessible via public transportation from Nara and Osaka. From Nara Station, it is a short bus or taxi ride to the temple. Visitors can also take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Nishinokyo Station, which is just a 10-minute walk from Yakushi-ji.
Yakushi-ji Temple hosts several special events throughout the year, including the Yakushi-ji Temple Market held on the 8th of every month, where visitors can enjoy local crafts and food. The temple also participates in Nara's major cultural and religious festivals.
The temple complex includes basic visitor facilities such as restrooms and a gift shop where visitors can purchase religious artifacts, books, and souvenirs. Information pamphlets and guides are often available in multiple languages, including English.
