Yakushi-ji 薬師寺

World Heritage SiteBuddhist temple in Nara Prefecture, Japan

史About

Yakushi-ji (薬師寺) is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, and was once one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, located in Nara. Originally built in the 7th century in the old capital of Fujiwara-kyō, the temple as it stands (built in 730) is said to be a scrupulous copy of the original. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism. Yakushi-ji is one of the sites that are collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara."

The temple's main object of veneration, Yakushi Nyorai, also known as "The Medicine Buddha", was one of the first Buddhist Deities to arrive in Japan from China in 680, and gives the temple its name.

Text from Wikipedia: Yakushi-ji — CC BY-SA 4.0. Read more on Wikipedia →

要Quick facts

Type	Temple
Location	Nara, Nara
Founded	680
Designations	National Treasure of Japan part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Site of Japan
Official website	yakushiji.or.jp
Nearest stations	Nishinokyō Station · 229 m Kintetsu Kashihara Line Kujō Station · 1.0 km Kintetsu Kashihara Line Amagatsuji Station · 1.5 km Kintetsu Kashihara Line Distances are in a straight line; walking routes are longer.
Map	Open in Google Maps ↗

Opening hours and fees change — check the official website before you go.

Data: Wikidata (CC0)

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写Photos

解Japan Tourism Agency explanations

見Things to look for here

Buddhism in Japan日本の仏教

Yakushi薬師如来

Hina dolls雛祭り

World Heritage Sites in Japan日本の世界遺産

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問Questions visitors ask

What is Yakushi-ji?

Yakushi-ji (薬師寺) is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, and was once one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, located in Nara.

Where is Yakushi-ji?

Yakushi-ji is in Nara, Nara. The nearest station is Nishinokyō Station (about 229 m in a straight line).

Is Yakushi-ji a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. Its designations include: National Treasure of Japan; part of UNESCO World Heritage Site; Historic Site of Japan.

When was Yakushi-ji founded?

680, according to Wikidata.

What are the opening hours of Yakushi-ji?

Hours and fees change by season and for events. Please check the official website before you go: https://www.yakushiji.or.jp/