May 12, 2015 - 1 min read

Yakushiji, Temple of Medicine

The Buddha of Healing’s dwelling place in Nara

By Celine Villeneuve

Community writer

In 718, when Nara became the new Capital of the country, the temple was moved from Asuka to its current location.

Yakushiji is one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" World Heritage Site.

View of the west pagoda. The original one was burned down in 1528, then rebuilt in 1980.

The main Hall Kondo, and the west pagoda. The east pagoda is for the moment under construction so not visible.

Yakushiji houses different Buddha-Triad, the Yakushi-Triad (in the Kondo) and the Mytreya Buddha Triad (in the Daikodo).

The Toindo, meditation Hall houses bronze statue of Sho-Kannon

Known as the Temple of Medicine, Yakushiji was built around 680 by order of Emperor Tenmu for the recovery of the Empress from a serious illness.

The main building, Kondo, characterized by the two illustrious pagodas that frame it, houses the Buddha of Healing, Yakushi Nyorai. Surrounded by two attendant Bodhisattvas, the bronze Buddha is based on a singular pedestal that bears many references to countries crossed by the Silk Road. He thus reminds all of the internationality of the Nara period.

During our visit, the many plum trees that the temple shelters, were only just beginning to flower. Not until March, can you see the beauty of Yakushiji enhanced by this rich profusion of flowers.

As well as the famous Todai-ji or Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Yakushiji is among the list of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" World Heritage Site by Unesco.

The Yakushi-ji Temple is located a few train stops away from Nara. To go there, take the Kintetsu Nara Line at Kintetsunara station (to Osakananba) and change at Yamatosaidaishi Station (Kintetsu Kashihara Line). Then, get off at Nishinokyo Station (around 20 minutes).