What can visitors see at Yakushi-ji Temple?

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.

What is the significance of the East Pagoda?

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.

How do I get to Yakushi-ji Temple?

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.

Are there any special events or festivals at Yakushi-ji Temple?

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.

What facilities are available for visitors?

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.

Nara

Yakushi-ji Temple

4.4 (5898)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

Yakushi-ji Temple, located in the ancient city of Nara, is one of the country’s most historically significant and visually striking Buddhist temples. Founded in 680 AD by Emperor Tenmu, the temple was originally built to pray for the recovery of the emperor’s ill wife, making it deeply rooted in the spiritual and medicinal traditions of Buddhism.

What sets Yakushi-ji apart is its architectural layout and the artistry of its structures, notably the East Pagoda, which remarkably stands as the only original building surviving from the 8th century. This pagoda is famed for its unique, slightly asymmetrical design, which is believed to embody the fusion of earthly and spiritual realms, according to Buddhist cosmology.

The main hall, or Kondo, reconstructed in the 1970s, houses the temple’s principal object of worship—a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing. This central statue, along with other valuable cultural artifacts in the temple, highlights the historical development of Buddhist art in Japan.

Visiting Yakushi-ji offers more than just a glimpse into Japan’s rich historical past; it is an opportunity to experience the tranquility and spiritual depth of a place that has been a center of faith and healing for centuries.

Hours:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome.

Fees:

Adults: 1000 yen

junior high and high school students 600 yen

Elementary school student 200 yen

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 742-33-6001

Website

yakushiji.or.jp

Overview

Address

457 Nishinokyōchō, Nara, 630-8563, Japan

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Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

This temple is probably the easiest to access for those who don’t want to walk too much. It’s just next to Nishinokyo station and the ground is flat so it’s easy to walk. Very quiet and calming as there’s not many visitors. Will have to pay entrance fees of 1000¥ each per adult.

Kriz A

Jan 6, 2026

This is one of my favorite sites in japan so for. It was very quiet (end of January). And seeing the 2 pagodas together seems unusual.

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!

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.

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!