Yakushiji Temple｜What to See ＆ Do

Yakushiji Temple

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Area

Western Area

Established in 680, the unique layout known as Yakushiji-style is also referred to as "Ryugu-zukuri" (Dragon Palace style).

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Yakushiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was established in 680 by Emperor Tenmu as a prayer for the recovery of his empress from illness. When the capital was relocated from Fujiwara-kyo to Nara, it was subsequently moved to its current location in 718. Two three-story pagodas, the Eastern and Western Pagodas, were built around the main hall and lecture hall. The unique layout is known as the Yakushiji-style temple complex, and the magnificent exterior of these main buildings, with their sloped roofs and low floors, is also referred to as "Ryugu-zukuri" (Dragon Palace style).

Unfortunately, repeated fires destroyed most of the buildings, and only the eastern pagoda remains in its original state. The other structures have been rebuilt.

Yakushiji is home to nine national treasures and 26 important cultural properties, and it remains a temple with a strong following of religious practitioners.

After visiting this temple, consider visiting the nearby Toshodaiji Temple.

Nara's World Heritage Sites: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage

Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi

Special feature on the proper etiquette to observe when visiting Shinto shrines and temples: What are the differences between temples and shrines? What must you avoid doing? This feature explains all these and more!: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/manner

The most photogenic "New Eight Scenic Views of Nara" from the World Heritage Site, "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/shinnantohakkei

〈This year's campaign has ended〉Join Us on the “Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road” to Enjoy the Breathtaking Lotus Flowers!: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/lotusroad

Related itineraries

Itinerary for 2 days and 1 night from Hōryūji to Nara Park to feel the history of Asuka and Nara Periods.: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_11.html

Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights to enjoy Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka to the fullest: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_13.html

Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights to visit Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and Nara/Kyoto: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_17.html

Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples１: Tour by train, bus or cab: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_22.html

Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples２: Tour four temples on foot: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_23.html

Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples３: Touring Four Temples by Bicycle: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_24.html

Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples４: Tour four temples by car: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_25.html

Events

Shusho-e / Yakushiji Temple: At Yajushiji Temple, the Shusho-e New Year’s ceremon…; See More

General Information

Address: 457, Nshinokyo-cho, Nara City, Nara
contact details: 0742-33-6001（Yakushiji Temple）
Fax Number: 0742-33-6004
Times: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (The admission desk will be open until 4:30 p.m.)
Closed: Open all year
Access: 18 minutes by bus from JR Nara and Kintetsu Nara Stations. Immediately in front of the "Yakushiji" bus stop. Immediately in front of the Kintetsu NishinoKyo Station.
Car Park: Cars: 500 yen
Motorcycles: 100 yen
Microbus（Medium-sized vehicles）: 2,000 yen
Bus（Large vehicles）: 2,200 yen

Please note:
＊From March 1, 2024, parking hours are 8:45 AM (opening) to 4:20 PM (last entry), with the facility closing at 5:15 PM.
＊There is a free bicycle parking area available.
Admission/Worship Fees (Individual): Adults: 1,000 yen
Middle and High School Students: 600 yen
Elementary School Students: 200 yen
*Note: Technical college students, night school students (junior high and high school), and students in correspondence courses are eligible for the middle and high school student rate regardless of age.

Note:
＊Accessible areas include the Hakuho Garan (Main Hall, Great Lecture Hall, East Hall).
＊For details on special viewing fees, please refer to the official Yakushiji website.
Admission/Worship Fees (Group): For 25 people or more

Adults: 900 yen
Middle and High School Students: 540 yen
Elementary School Students: 180 yen
*Note: Technical college students, night school students (junior high and high school), and students in correspondence courses are eligible for the middle and high school student rate regardless of age.

Note:
＊Accessible areas include the Hakuho Garan (Main Hall, Great Lecture Hall, East Hall).
＊For details on special viewing fees, please refer to the official Yakushiji website.
Discount for Persons with Disabilities: Visitors with handicaps or disabilities who make their visits with their official handicapped citizens booklets will receive a 50% discount on entry for themselves and up to one helper.
Senior Discount: Free upon presentation of Nara senior citizen's handbook ("roushun teichou").
Events: Shushoe: Jan 1st -Jan 3rd
Hanaeshiki: Mar 25th-Mar 31st
Genjo-Sanzoe: May 5th
Urabon-e: Aug 13-Aug 15 13:30-
Tenmuki・Mantoe: Oct 8th 18:30-
Jion-e(every 2 years): Nov 13th 19:00-
Ominugui: Dec 29th 13:00-
New years eve: Dec 31st-Jan 1st
National Treasure: Totoh, Toindoh, and others
Website: Yakushiji Temple Official Website