Yakushi-ji Temple

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.

Yakushiji Temple (薬師寺), located in Nara, Japan, is one of the most significant and ancient Buddhist temples in the country. Originally constructed in 680 CE during the Asuka period by Emperor Tenmu, the temple was built to pray for the recovery of his wife, Empress Jitō. Dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing, the temple symbolizes hope and spiritual healing. Yakushiji is renowned for its symmetrical layout and stunning architecture, epitomizing the classical style of early Japanese Buddhism. The temple complex includes several iconic structures, most notably the East Pagoda (東塔, Tōtō), a three-story pagoda dating back to the 8th century. This is the only original structure that survived multiple fires and is celebrated for its elegant design and intricate details. The West Pagoda (西塔, Saitō) and the Kondō (金堂, Main Hall) have been meticulously reconstructed to preserve their historical and spiritual significance. Inside the Kondō, visitors can find an extraordinary bronze triad statue of Yakushi Nyorai flanked by two Bodhisattvas, exemplifying artistic mastery from the Hakuho period. These statues are considered national treasures and reflect the deep devotion to Buddhist teachings. In addition to its architectural and artistic treasures, Yakushiji Temple serves as an active center for Buddhist worship and meditation. The temple’s tranquil atmosphere and rich history make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage.