Yakushi-ji is a Hosso-sect temple founded in the late 7th century and one of Nara's UNESCO World Heritage sites, built around a Yakushi Triad of bronze Buddhas cast in the temple's early years. Its East Pagoda is the only original structure to have survived fires and wars over the centuries, while the rest of the complex, including the West Pagoda and main hall, has been rebuilt. The pairing of the two pagodas, one original and one reconstructed, is what most visitors come to compare.
Yakushi-ji Temple in the Nishinokyo district of western Nara was founded in 680 CE by Emperor Tenmu and moved to its current site in 718, making it one of the earliest surviving Buddhist temple complexes in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its East Pagoda, dating to the original 8th-century construction, is among the oldest wooden structures in Japan, distinguished by alternating large and small roof eaves that give it a rhythmic six-tiered appearance despite being a three-story structure; the West Pagoda is a vividly painted 20th-century reconstruction that shows how the original vermilion and white coloring would have looked. The main Kondo hall houses the Yakushi Triad, bronze statues of the Buddha of Healing flanked by two bodhisattvas, cast with a dark patina considered among the finest bronze work of the Hakuho period. A visit takes 1 to 1.5 hours, covering both pagodas, the Kondo, and the Genjo-sanzoin Garan area, which honors the monk Xuanzang. The temple's lotus pond blooms from June through July, adding seasonal color to views of the pagodas, while autumn foliage offers another strong photo season.
| Admission | Adult ¥1,100 ($7.15) · Child ¥700 ($4.55) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:30AM–5:00PM |
| Typical visit | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Spring (lotus pond blooms Jun–Jul) or autumn foliage |
| Getting there | Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji, transfer to Kintetsu Kashihara Line, alight at Nishinokyo Station (¥250/$1.63 total, 15 min) |
| Address | 457 Nishinokyocho, Nara, 630-8563 |
Location
457 Nishinokyocho, Nara, 630-8563
34.6686, 135.7815 View on map
Highlights
- 8th-century East Pagoda with its distinctive tiered roofline
- Bronze Yakushi Triad in the main Kondo hall
- Vividly repainted West Pagoda reconstruction
- Genjo-sanzoin Garan honoring the monk Xuanzang
- Lotus pond in bloom from June to July
Tips for visiting
- Visit in June or July to see the lotus pond in bloom alongside the pagodas
- Compare the weathered original East Pagoda with the repainted West Pagoda for a sense of the temple's original colors
- Combine with a visit to nearby Toshodai-ji, a 10-minute walk away
- Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to see both pagodas and the main hall without rushing
- Nishinokyo Station is a short walk from the entrance, making it easy to reach independently
When to visit
June to July for the lotus pond in bloom, or November for autumn foliage around the pagodas.
Accessibility
The temple grounds are mostly flat and paved between the pagodas and main hall, though hall entrances have raised traditional wooden thresholds.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Yakushi-ji take?
Covering both pagodas, the Kondo hall, and the Garan grounds typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is Yakushi-ji worth it for kids?
The contrast between the weathered original pagoda and the brightly repainted reconstruction can be an accessible way for children to visualize how ancient buildings looked when new.
Is photography allowed at Yakushi-ji?
Photography is allowed on the outdoor grounds and of the pagodas, though photography inside the Kondo hall housing the bronze Yakushi Triad is restricted.